Jared Kushner holds private talks with Hakeem Jeffries ahead of November midterms

US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and outside adviser Jared Kushner has privately met House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries as Republicans face a battle to retain control of the House in November.

The New York meeting, first reported by The New York Times, covered housing, immigration and the rising cost of living, according to The Associated Press.

Kushner also suggested Jeffries meet White House chief of staff Susie Wiles as Jeffries could become House speaker if Democrats regain the majority in the midterm elections.

Jeffries did not directly address the meeting in a statement on Sunday but criticised the Trump administration’s approach.

“To stop the madness, we have repeatedly made clear that an extremist approach will not work and will be met with forceful opposition. The question is whether Republicans will join us,” Jeffries said.

House Speaker Mike Johnson played down the significance of the talks, saying to Fox News: “I’m telling you what, you better not bet against the House Republicans.”

Kushner and Jeffries have worked together before, including on criminal justice legislation during Trump’s first administration.

Republicans currently hold a narrow House majority, with control expected to come down to several battleground districts in November.