Jared Kushner may have played a role in Corey Lewandowski’s dismissal as Donald Trump’s presidential campaign manager, according to multiple news reports.
Lewandowski, who helped Trump to an improbable victory in the Republican primaries, was fired Monday amid flagging poll numbers and mounting scandals surrounding the campaign. The Washington Post reports that Kushner, who is Trump’s son-in law, had long pressed Trump to dismiss Lewandowski. Donald Trump’s children Ivanka, Donald Jr. and Eric reportedly also supported his dismissal.
Kushner and Lewandowski appear to have had a frayed relationship. In one instance, relayed to the Daily Beast by an anonymous staffer, Lewandowski flipped out after social media director Dan Scavino bought a laptop with Kushner’s permission but without asking Lewandowski.
The Associated Press recently reported that the developer and CEO of Kushner Companies, who is married to Trump’s daughter Ivanka, helped select potential running mates and influenced the campaign’s policy, fundraising efforts and data strategy. He even joined an hour-long meting between Trump and House speaker Paul Ryan last month. Kushner also reportedly contacted Henry Kissinger to discuss Trump’s foreign policy. [WaPo] — Konrad Putzier