Jared Kushner has reportedly been identified as the senior White House official whose security clearance was denied last year.
Kushner’s clearance was denied over concerns about his private business interests, foreign influence, and personal conduct, according to the Washington Post. This week, documents released from the House Oversight and Reform Committee only name Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, as “White House Official 1.”
The documents describe the testimony of whistleblower Tricia Newbold, who said she turned to Congress as her “last hope,” telling lawmakers that she and her colleagues issued 25 denials for security clearances that were later overturned. Newbold has worked under both Republican and Democratic presidents in the White House personnel security office.
The decision to overturn the ruling was reportedly made by political appointee Carl Kline, who headed the office at the time of the decision.
Newbold was previously suspended without pay in January, just days after a report emerged that Kushner’s clearance had been approved despite staff objections. The suspension notice accused her of defiance of authority and failure to follow instructions.
