The leaders of the House Intelligence Committee’s Russia probe emerged satisfied from a three-hour meeting with Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, but left open the possibility of further questioning.
“We found him to be straightforward, forthcoming, wanted to answer every question that we had,” said Texas congressman Mike Conaway, one of the Republicans overseeing the investigation. “He was willing to follow-up on any questions that we think of later.”
California congressman Adam Schiff, the committee’s top Democrat, said that Kushner appeared open to returning for more questioning.
“He expressed—and his counsel—receptivity to coming back for further questions, but it was a very productive session,” he said.
Schiff added that the closed-door interview addressed a “range of issues.”
That likely includes a controversial meeting that Kushner, former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and Donald Trump Jr. attended last June with a Kremlin-linked lawyer. Trump Jr. agreed to the meeting after being offered incriminating information on Hillary Clinton, described to him by an intermediary as “part of Russia and its government’s support for Mr. Trump.”
Kushner also met with Senate Intelligence Committee staff Monday for roughly two hours. He released 11 pages of testimony beforehand that outlined four contacts he had with Russian officials.
The testimony also detailed the June meeting, which Kushner said was a “waste of our time.” He also denied a report that he attempted to set up a “secret back channel” with the Kremlin.
The House and Senate intelligence committees are looking into Russian election interference, including any potential collusion between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign.
Kushner denied colluding in his testimony, as well as in a statement at the White House Monday.
“Let me be very clear: I did not collude with Russia, nor do I know of anyone else in the campaign who did,” he said. “I had no improper contacts. I have not relied on Russian funds for my businesses, and I have been fully transparent in providing all requested information.”
