BEHIND-THE-SCENES

Report: Kushner Pulled Strings to Clinch Last-Minute Trade Deal With Mexico

Said to have built friendship with foreign minister to push deal through before presidential transition.

President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, reportedly pulled the strings to clinch a new trade deal with Mexico announced by the White House on Monday. Sources cited by The Wall Street Journal said Kushner and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer worked with Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray to secure an agreement before a new Mexican president takes office. Kushner is said to have used his close relationship to Trump as leverage in negotiations while also building up personal relationships with Mexican officials, particularly Videgaray. The deal that was so long in the making culminated in a clumsy White House press conference on Monday, with repeated attempts to reach Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto by phone failing. When Nieto was finally on the line, he and Trump shared an awkward exchange. “I’m extending you an affectionate hug,” Nieto said, to which Trump replied: “A hug from you would be very nice.”