📖 Overview
Kushner, Inc. examines the rise of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump as key figures in American politics and business. The book tracks their journey from privileged heirs of real estate empires to White House advisors during the Trump presidency.
Through interviews and investigative reporting, journalist Vicky Ward documents the couple's business dealings, social connections, and political maneuvers. The narrative covers their early lives, courtship, and eventual roles in both the Trump Organization and the administration.
Ward analyzes the power dynamics between the Kushners, the Trumps, and other influential figures in their orbit. The book includes accounts of internal White House conflicts and policy decisions that shaped the Trump presidency.
The book raises questions about wealth, power, and the intersection of family, business, and government in modern American politics. It serves as both a biographical account and a wider examination of influence and access at the highest levels of power.
👀 Reviews
Readers found the book provided insider details about Jared and Ivanka's roles in the Trump administration, though many questioned the heavy reliance on anonymous sources.
What readers liked:
- Well-researched background on the Kushner family history
- Clear writing style and pacing
- Previously unreported details about White House dynamics
What readers disliked:
- Too much focus on old news and previously reported stories
- Lack of named sources hurt credibility
- Some readers felt the tone was biased against the subjects
- Several factual errors noted by readers
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.7/5 (3,400+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.2/5 (1,900+ ratings)
Barnes & Noble: 3.8/5 (200+ ratings)
Common reader comment: "Nothing particularly revelatory if you've followed the news, but provides good historical context about the family's background."
Multiple reviewers noted the book works better as a Kushner family biography than as a White House exposé.
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American Oligarchs by Andrea Bernstein This investigation traces the parallel rises of the Trump and Kushner families through real estate empires to political influence.
The First: How to Think About Hate Speech, Campus Speech, Race, and Democracy by Stanley Fish An examination of power dynamics among influential families in American politics reveals the intersection of wealth, media, and governance.
Born Trump by Emily Jane Fox This deep dive into the Trump children's lives explores their roles in their father's business empire and subsequent political machine.
Too Much and Never Enough by Mary L. Trump The niece of Donald Trump details the family dynamics and business dealings that shaped the Trump administration and its key figures.
American Oligarchs by Andrea Bernstein This investigation traces the parallel rises of the Trump and Kushner families through real estate empires to political influence.
The First: How to Think About Hate Speech, Campus Speech, Race, and Democracy by Stanley Fish An examination of power dynamics among influential families in American politics reveals the intersection of wealth, media, and governance.
Born Trump by Emily Jane Fox This deep dive into the Trump children's lives explores their roles in their father's business empire and subsequent political machine.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔹 The book caused controversy by claiming that Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were given security clearances despite objections from intelligence officials, leading to extensive media coverage and political debate.
🔹 Author Vicky Ward conducted over 220 interviews for the book, but notably, both Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump declined to be interviewed.
🔹 The book reveals that Kushner Companies was in serious financial trouble due to Jared's $1.8 billion purchase of 666 Fifth Avenue in 2007, which required a bailout from foreign investors.
🔹 Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is quoted in the book saying that Kushner conducted foreign policy behind his back, including secret meetings with foreign leaders.
🔹 While researching the book, Ward uncovered that Harvard University accepted Jared Kushner after his father Charles pledged a $2.5 million donation to the school.