Jared Kushner tried to set up a secret back channel to the Kremlin
| Jared Kushner tried to set up a secret back channel to the Kremlin | |
|---|---|
| DISPUTED | |
| "Jared Kushner tried to set up a secret communications back channel between the Trump transition team and the Kremlin in December 2016." | |
| Domain | Politics & Elections |
| Tactic | False Context Conspiracy Theory |
| Era | Current |
| First seen | 2017 |
| Origin | Washington Post report of May 26, 2017, based on U.S. officials briefed on intercepted communications |
| Last reviewed | 2026-11-03 |
| Further reading: books on Politics & Elections | |
The claim that Kushner tried to set up a secret back channel to the Kremlin is partly confirmed by the Mueller report, which describes a request about secure communications. The motive and the meaning of 'secret back channel' remain disputed.
What the evidence shows
- The report. The Washington Post reported in May 2017 that Kushner and Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak discussed a secure channel between the transition and Moscow in December 2016. NPR said it had not independently confirmed the report.
- The Mueller report. As summarized by McClatchy, the report says Michael Flynn told the group the transition offices lacked a secure line, after which Kushner asked whether they could use secure facilities at the Russian Embassy. Kislyak rejected the idea. The report also describes Kislyak floating a secure-line briefing by Russian generals.
- Experts' reaction. Current and former U.S. intelligence officials called the request extraordinary.
- The defense. Kushner's side has described the idea as practical, aimed at reaching military figures on Syria, and not a plan to hide contacts. The Mueller report did not establish a criminal conspiracy.
Why it persists
The facts that Kushner asked, and that Kislyak refused, are reported. Whether that is a security lapse, naivety or something worse is where readers diverge.
Lessons for readers
- 'Secret' and 'private' are not the same.
- A refused request is different from an operating channel.
- Read the original report passages, not summaries.
See also
- Jared Kushner's security clearance went through the normal process
- The Mueller report found no contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia
Sources
- Washington Post, May 26, 2017.
- NPR, 'Report: Kushner Discussed Setting Up Secret Communications With Russia,' May 26, 2017.
- Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller III, Report, Volume I, March 2019, as summarized by McClatchy.
- Center for American Progress analysis of Mueller report pages 159-163.