Kushner has security status downgraded

WASHINGTON – White House adviser and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as other White House officials, have had high-level interim security clearances downgraded pending completion of full-scale background checks, government officials said Tuesday.

The downgrade will limit Kushner’s ability to view highly classified information, though officials familiar with the move said it will not affect Kushner’s ability to do a job that includes diplomatic dealings with other countries.

“Mr. Kushner has done more than what is expected of him in this process,” said an associate of Kushner, speaking on condition of anonymity because the security clearance process is classified.

“Those involved in the process again have confirmed that there are dozens of people at Mr. Kushner’s level whose process is delayed, that it is not uncommon for these clearance reviews to take this long in a new administration, and that the current backlogs are now being addressed,” the person said.

The move came as White House chief of staff John Kelly seeks to overhaul the security clearance process amid a series of complaints. Two government officials confirmed Kushner’s re-classification, but would not comment in detail.

Kushner’s portfolio ranges from prison reform to Middle East negotiations.

Kelly said Kushner’s role in the White House would not be diminished.

There have long been questions about Kushner, given his relationship to President Donald Trump.