US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed his son-in-law Jared Kushner to serve as his senior adviser in the White House, raising concerns about conflict of interest and nepotism.
Trump said in a statement on Monday that he is “proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration.
“He will be an invaluable member of my team as I set and execute an ambitious agenda, putting the American people first,” he said of Kushner.
Kushner, a New York real estate businessman and investor, will join Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and Chief Strategist Steve Bannon in implementing Trump’s domestic and foreign policies.
Kushner is married to Trump’s daughter, Ivanka.
He may not even be eligible for the post under a 1967 law that bars government officials from hiring relatives, though whether the regulation applies to cabinet posts is not clear.
Kushner’s lawyer said the appointment is based on legal judgment that anti-nepotism statute does not apply to the White House.
A senior Trump transition official also said that Kushner will recuse himself from participating in matters that could have a direct effect on his remaining financial interests.
The statement announcing Kushner’s appointment adds that he will not receive a salary while in the Trump administration, further diminishing the likelihood that the appointment would run afoul of the anti-nepotism law.
