In this section, Jared Kushner reflects on the current situation in Israel and Gaza, expressing his heartbreak over the violence and emphasizing the need for peace. He discusses the history of Hamas and Gaza, highlighting the negative impact of Hamas's leadership on the lives of Palestinians. Kushner also discusses the significance of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the spread of misinformation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He addresses his approach to resolving the conflict, focusing on economic development and demilitarization. Kushner criticizes the current Biden administration for reversing key policies and projecting weakness in the region. He discusses the potential for economic integration and stability in the Middle East and the desired end states for the Israel-Gaza conflict. Lastly, he expresses hope for the future of the Middle East if certain conditions are met, emphasizing the importance of understanding and finding common ground.
00:00:00 In this section, former senior adviser to the President Jared Kushner reflects on the current situation in Israel and Gaza, which is rapidly unfolding. He expresses his heartbreak over the violence and the images of militants attacking innocent civilians. Kushner highlights the importance of understanding the context, including the blockade of Gaza and the militant group Hamas. He emphasizes the need for peace and hopes that their words can shed light on the underlying dynamics of the region.
00:05:00 In this section, Jared Kushner expresses his heartbreak and solidarity with Israel in the face of Hamas' terror attacks. He condemns the indiscriminate capture and imprisonment of innocent civilians, including children and Holocaust survivors, and emphasizes the need for the world to stand behind Israel. Kushner believes that Hamas has revealed their true nature and highlights the importance of eliminating or severely degrading their capabilities in order to achieve peace in the Middle East. He also highlights the progress made during the Trump administration in stabilizing the region and addressing threats such as ISIS and Iran.
00:10:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the history of Hamas and Gaza, emphasizing that Hamas was originally founded by the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and has caused numerous issues in the region. He points out that Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, giving governance to the Palestinians, but under Hamas's leadership, the Palestinian people's lives have worsened. Kushner describes the Palestinian people in Gaza as hostages, with Hamas terrorists holding them back from a better life. He urges people to focus their attention and anger on Hamas, the ones responsible for killing innocent civilians. Regarding the connection with Iran, Kushner acknowledges reports of Iran's support for Hamas and their shared goal of destroying Israel. He highlights Iran's role in funding Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthi rebels, using proxies to fight conflicts indirectly.
00:15:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the significance of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He explains that the mosque has been used by Shia jihadists to justify their aggressive actions towards Israel. Kushner also shares his experience of conducting focus groups in different Arab countries to understand their perspective on the conflict. He found that many Muslims believed Israel was not allowing access to the mosque for prayers, but he clarifies that Israel actually allows peaceful prayer at the site. Israel passed the protection of holy places law after reconquering Jerusalem in 1967, ensuring access for all religious groups. However, Kushner acknowledges that Israel has not been effective in countering the propaganda that claims otherwise. He believes that improving public relations and creating connections between people through initiatives like the Abraham Accords can help dispel such misconceptions.
00:20:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the role of misinformation in spreading anti-Semitism and violence in Israel, citing historical examples such as Haj Amin Al Husseini. He believes that the use of Islam or the mosque as a justification for violence is a perversion of the religion and disrespects its true essence. Kushner then explains the process behind the Abraham Accords and how the Trump administration strengthened the relationship with Israel while taking steps like recognizing Jerusalem as its capital and withdrawing from the Iran deal. He outlines the importance of creating a paradigm for peace by challenging false barriers and showing that people in the Middle East simply want to live better lives. Kushner also mentions the economic plan titled "Peace to Prosperity" aimed at improving the lives of both Palestinians and Israelis.
00:25:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses his approach to resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict and the challenges he faced. He suggests that the Palestinian leadership may have been disincentivized to make a deal because they received significant international funding, which they feared would stop if they reached an agreement. He also explains his efforts to develop a business plan for Gaza and the West Bank, drawing inspiration from successful economic projects in other countries. The plan aimed to address issues of governance and corruption, which he believes hindered progress in Palestine. While many countries and the international community were willing to fund the plan, the main obstacle was Hamas's leadership and their focus on violence rather than improving the lives of the Palestinian people. Kushner proposes demilitarization and security guarantees for Israel as a means to rebuild Gaza and provide a better life for its inhabitants. However, Hamas has not shown a desire for such a solution.
00:30:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the current administration's approach to the Middle East and how it differs from the previous Trump administration. He highlights the momentum and stability achieved under Trump, including crippling sanctions on Iran and cutting off funding to corrupt Palestinian agencies. However, he criticizes the Biden administration for reversing these policies, insulting allies like Saudi Arabia, and projecting weakness in the region. He also mentions the lack of support for United Arab Emirates during a missile attack and the need to rebuild trust with allies. Overall, Kushner suggests that the Biden administration's approach has been ineffective and has created division and instability in the region.
00:35:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the potential for economic integration and stability in the Middle East, highlighting the importance of a secure and integrated bloc consisting of countries like Israel, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Qatar, and Egypt. He criticizes the previous administration for underestimating the disruptive actions of Iran and not taking advantage of opportunities to drive towards a peaceful conclusion with the Palestinians. Kushner emphasizes the need for strength and support for Israel, as well as consequences for those who escalate tensions. He suggests sending a strong message to Iran and not allowing them to have a free reign to cause instability. He also mentions the importance of regaining security in Israel and degrading the capabilities of Hamas and other Iranian threats.
00:40:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the potential normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. He believes that such a move would be beneficial for both countries and would be a nightmare for Iran. However, he advises caution and suggests letting the current situation play out before resuming talks. He emphasizes the importance of communication and trust between leaders in order to make progress and ensure safety. Kushner also outlines the desired end states for the Israel-Gaza conflict, which include a secure environment for Israel and improved living conditions for the people of Gaza. He argues that the international community should unite behind Israel and hold Hamas accountable for their violent behavior.
00:45:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the desired end state for Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the need for a long-term solution that allows the Palestinian people to live a better life. He acknowledges the complicated factors involved but believes that achieving this end state is very achievable. When discussing the potential consequences of a ground invasion of Gaza by Israeli forces, Kushner emphasizes the importance of being cautious and smart, avoiding traps, and staying focused on the objective. He hopes that Israel can maintain the moral high ground and communicate effectively about why they are fighting. Kushner praises Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership and describes him as a historic figure with a deep understanding of security and global relations. He believes that Netanyahu will be ambitious in seeking to strengthen Israel but also hopes that he will calculate the risks appropriately. Kushner recognizes the internal political turmoil that Netanyahu has been operating in but views it as a sign of a vibrant democracy.
00:50:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the differences between Israel and Palestine in terms of democracy, freedom, and human rights. He emphasizes that Israel provides its citizens with freedoms such as democracy, free speech, and a vibrant democracy, while in Palestine, there is no democracy, limited free speech, and no freedom of the press. He also highlights the importance of unity in a society and how division can make a country vulnerable. Kushner suggests that the Palestinian people would be better served by directing their anger towards the Hamas leadership, which he believes is responsible for their difficult living conditions. He sees a clear distinction between Hamas and the Palestinian people, stating that Hamas is the obstacle to progress and the flourishing of the Palestinian people. He hopes that an honest conversation about the situation can lead to unity, understanding, and ultimately improve the lives of the Palestinian people. As for the future, Kushner expresses admiration for the foreign policy achievements of former President Donald Trump and his hope for a peaceful world.
00:55:00 In this section, Jared Kushner expresses hope for the future of the Middle East, particularly Israel, if certain conditions are met. He believes that the region has tremendous potential for economic growth and development, with ambitious agendas in countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar. The key is to create a security architecture and restrain the Iranian regime's destabilizing ambitions. Kushner emphasizes that the conflict and division have held the region back, but with the right leadership and policy, the Middle East can continue on a positive trajectory. He believes that hate can be defeated by building connections and finding common ground, emphasizing the importance of listening and understanding different perspectives. While acknowledging the presence of evil individuals, he generally believes that most people are good and have love in their hearts.
In this section of the YouTube video titled "Jared Kushner: Israel, Palestine, Hamas, Gaza, Iran, and the Middle East | Lex Fridman Podcast #399," Jared Kushner discusses the importance of personal relationships and trust in diplomacy and negotiations. He shares examples of successful negotiations where building trust and finding win-win outcomes led to positive results. Kushner also emphasizes the significance of being results-driven and working towards common goals, while acknowledging the challenges and unpredictable nature of world outcomes. Overall, he remains optimistic about the future if courageous leaders are willing to confront challenges and seek solutions.
01:00:00 In this section, Jared Kushner reflects on the importance of giving people second chances and not judging them solely based on their past mistakes. He emphasizes the power of human connection and how it can help individuals move towards a better place. Kushner shares anecdotes of hosting dinners where people with different political views engaged in respectful debates and found common ground, fostering a sense of possibility for positive change. He stresses the significance of listening to and respecting others' perspectives, and the value of seeking out differing opinions to broaden one's own understanding. Kushner concludes by expressing his thoughts and prayers for the people in Israel and Palestine, emphasizing the importance of their safety and a peaceful resolution.
01:05:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses his approach to negotiation, emphasizing the importance of trust, understanding the desired outcome, and recognizing power dynamics. He believes that establishing trust and creating a framework for collaboration are crucial in achieving successful negotiations. Additionally, he emphasizes the need to understand the motivations of the other party, particularly leaders whose primary objective is often to maintain power. Kushner also highlights the importance of maneuvering and eliminating potential obstacles, as well as creating a "golden bridge" that aligns with their self-interest. He provides examples of negotiations he has been involved in, such as prison reform and the USMCA trade deal, where building trust and finding win-win outcomes led to bipartisan success. Lastly, he acknowledges that trust can be undermined when leaders appear to be trying to deceive or exploit the other party and emphasizes the importance of being results-driven and working towards a common end.
01:10:00 In this section, Jared Kushner talks about his approach to partnerships and dealing with world leaders. He emphasizes the importance of being a good partner and treating others the way you would want to be treated. He acknowledges that while leaders may hold significant power, they are ultimately just like everyone else, dealing with everyday challenges and seeking advice from advisors. Kushner also discusses how his reading of "The Guns of August" influenced his approach to diplomacy, encouraging him to pick up the phone and have direct conversations rather than relying solely on planning and strategizing. He believes in challenging the status quo and working together to create a better pathway towards common goals.
01:15:00 In this section, Jared Kushner reflects on the unpredictable nature of world outcomes and the importance of human decisions. He shares the example of the North Korea situation during the Trump administration, highlighting the fear and intensity surrounding it. Despite challenges and skepticism, Kushner emphasizes the value of forming relationships and seeking solutions. He discusses the different incentive structures in politics and business, where politicians are often discouraged from taking on hard problems due to the fear of failure and criticism. However, he believes that it doesn't have to be that way and that courageous leaders can bring about positive change. Ultimately, Kushner expresses optimism for the future if the right people are in power and willing to face challenges head-on.
01:20:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the importance of personal relationships and personalities in negotiations and diplomacy. He mentions an example from the book "13 Days in September" where a miscommunication almost derailed a potential agreement between Israel and Egypt. He points out that personal connections and trust play a significant role in resolving conflicts and moving negotiations forward. Kushner also shares a story from his own experience with the Abraham Accords, highlighting the importance of clear communication and navigating through issues to achieve successful outcomes.
01:25:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses his experience in setting up a trip to the Middle East and the importance of words and actions in diplomacy. He mentions that while words matter in the diplomacy business, it is ultimately the actions that have a greater impact. He highlights the difference between politicians who say the right things and leaders who are willing to take transformational actions. Coming from the private sector, Kushner emphasizes the importance of focusing on results and bringing private sector project management skills to government tasks. He also points out the deficiency in negotiation skills in government compared to the private sector. Overall, Kushner's business background taught him to be result-focused and to bridge the divides between different training methods in order to make a difference in government.
01:30:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the importance of bringing people with private sector experience into government in order to approach problems from a solutions-oriented perspective. He mentions the inefficiencies of government regulation, drawing from Neil Ferguson's book "The Great Degeneration," which highlights how regulations are often put in place to solve past problems rather than future ones. Kushner praises the Trump Administration's deregulatory efforts and its net decrease in the cost of regulations. He criticizes the influence of regulatory capture, where those writing the legislation benefit from the regulations they put in place, resulting in bigger banks becoming even more powerful and the wealth gap in the country growing. Kushner also touches on the accusations of collusion with Russia, stating that they turned out to be unfounded.
01:35:00 In this section, Jared Kushner reflects on the accusations of collusion with Russia during the 2016 campaign and the impact it had on him personally. Despite knowing the allegations were baseless, he recounts how major news organizations took them seriously, causing him to endure numerous investigations and spend millions of dollars on legal fees. Kushner's clear conscience and support from his family helped him remain focused and optimistic throughout this challenging time. He learned to only invest energy in things he could control and not allow the accusations to distract him from his job in the White House. Despite the hardships, he was determined to make a difference in the world.
01:40:00 In this section, Jared Kushner reflects on his time working in the White House and the challenges he faced. He acknowledges the lack of self-awareness and reflection from those who criticized him, but emphasizes the importance of focusing on the future and not dwelling on past negativity. He believes that in life, every opportunity comes with a cost, and despite the intense attacks and negativity, he chose to stay resilient and focused on the work at hand. Kushner credits the support of his wife, Ivanka, and his friends for helping him navigate through the tough times, and he highlights the significance of love and having a partner who believes in you. He also praises Ivanka's elegance and strength in the face of unfounded criticism and sees her as a role model. Overall, he encourages embracing big challenges, taking risks, and striving for success, even in the face of potential failure.
01:45:00 In this section, the conversation veers off topic from politics and the Middle East to a discussion about diners in New Jersey. Both Lex Fridman and Jared Kushner express their love for diners and reminisce about their experiences there. They describe diners as egalitarian places where people from all walks of life gather, and they appreciate the variety of dishes available. Jared Kushner shares his fond memories of going to diners with his father as a child and discusses how growing up in New Jersey shaped his character. He also gives a shoutout to the state's recent progress and praises it as a great place to raise a family. Despite this detour, both guests highlight the beauty of New Jersey and its diverse population.
01:50:00 In this section, Jared Kushner shares the story of his father's arrest and how it impacted their family. He explains that his father got into a dispute with his siblings, which escalated into a public dispute involving the US attorney's office. Despite his father's wrongdoing, Jared admired how he took responsibility for his actions and served a year in prison. This challenging time led Jared to shift his focus onto the things he could control and be supportive of his family. He describes going into "battle mode" and working tirelessly to help his father's business while also pursuing his law and business degrees. Throughout this experience, Jared learned about the true nature of people, the importance of humility, and the transient nature of material possessions and status.
01:55:00 In this section, Jared Kushner reflects on a challenging time in his father's life, where he faced legal issues and possible betrayal by family members. He describes how his father's initial silence and fear made him realize that his father had lost sight of certain values and had disconnected from grounding. Through this experience, Kushner learned that power and money can corrupt judgment, and he witnessed this firsthand in the White House, where individuals in positions of power often let it go to their heads. He acknowledges that this is a significant problem, but remains optimistic that by recognizing the common humanity and staying grounded, it is possible to avoid being clouded by the allure of power and money.
In this section of the Jared Kushner interview on the Lex Fridman Podcast, Kushner discusses his work on prison reform and the passage of the First Step Act, which aimed to incentivize rehabilitation and reduce recidivism rates. He shares his belief in giving people second chances and the need for reintegration support post-release. Kushner also reflects on his experience in politics, emphasizing the importance of trust, collaboration, and identifying individuals who are genuinely committed to serving for the right reasons. He discusses the complexities of politics and leadership, acknowledging the challenges while encouraging active participation and positive impact. Additionally, Kushner talks about his experiences with Muhammad Bin Salman and Saudi Arabia, his approach to problem-solving, and the challenges and potential for peace in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Palestine. He highlights the flaws in previous negotiation processes and his different approach to finding a fair and pragmatic solution. Lastly, he discusses the transformative effect of the Abraham Accords on the perception of Jews and Muslims, fostering unity and religious understanding.
02:00:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses his work on prison reform and the passage of the First Step Act, which he describes as the largest prison and criminal justice reform bill in the US in decades. The law aimed to incentivize rehabilitation and reduce recidivism rates by allowing certain offenders to become eligible for earlier release if they participated in training programs. Kushner believes in giving people second chances and saw firsthand the inefficiency of the prison system when his father was a client. He also recognized the need for reintegration support after release, such as job training and addiction treatment. The reforms were modeled after successful programs in Texas and Georgia. Additionally, the bill addressed the racial disparity in sentencing for crack cocaine versus regular cocaine by making the revised penalty retroactive. Despite initial skepticism from President Trump, Kushner worked across party lines to build a coalition and ultimately achieved bipartisan support with 87 votes in the Senate. This effort became one of his main focuses in the White House, along with negotiating the Mexico trade deal and working on Middle East initiatives.
02:05:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses his experience working in Washington and the importance of trust in building relationships. He emphasizes that politicians primarily have interests rather than genuine friendships, but he did make some lifelong friends during his time in politics. He also highlights the necessity of collaboration and working together to achieve common objectives. While there is backstabbing and competition in politics, Kushner believes that through shared experiences and adversity, one can identify who is genuinely committed to serving for the right reasons. Overall, he acknowledges the complexity of navigating the political landscape and the need to be cautious in dealing with mercurial individuals.
02:10:00 In this section, Jared Kushner and Lex Fridman discuss the complexities of politics and leadership. Kushner reflects on the importance of being willing to let go of power and doing what is right for humanity. However, he acknowledges that the political landscape can be more complicated than that, with leaders making decisions based on short-term gains or justifying their actions by believing that their maintenance of power is essential for the greater good. They also discuss how the system of government can sometimes bring out the worst in people, especially when they are losing power. Despite these challenges, Kushner believes it is important for individuals to actively participate in the political game and make a positive impact. He also mentions that the rise of social media has led to a more egalitarian dissemination of information, which may have a positive impact on the political landscape.
02:15:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses his perspective on the power dynamic that is changing in society, highlighting the need for more transparency and accountability from institutions. He also talks about his experience with Muhammad Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, describing him as a high-energy reformer who has modernized the economy and marginalized the religious police. Kushner praises Bin Salman's intelligence, deep understanding of Saudi culture, and his business mindset in running the country. He shares a conversation where Bin Salman explains his ambitious goals for the future and his willingness to take risks in order to achieve them.
02:20:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses his journey from having a basic understanding of Saudi Arabia to making a human and policy connection with Deputy Crown Prince MBS. Despite opposition and skepticism from others, Kushner's inexperience and willingness to listen allowed him to take on the task. He recalls a meeting where the National Security Council doubted the success of a trip to Saudi Arabia, but Kushner insisted on giving them a chance to change. Despite the lack of support and his own lack of foreign policy experience, Kushner pushed forward and ultimately succeeded in making progress in the Middle East.
02:25:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses his approach to problem-solving and how he was able to achieve success by taking a different approach and breaking traditional rules. He emphasizes the importance of not being paralyzed by cynicism and being willing to try new ideas, even if they seem simple. Kushner also mentions an essay by Paul Graham that explores the concept of having new ideas and the different mindsets that allow people to break rules. He notes that sometimes ignorance of a field's assumptions can actually be an advantage in coming up with innovative solutions. Kushner shares that he often found contrarian and intuitive political issues to be the most interesting and believes that taking a different approach, even if it leads to failure, allows for a more original and potentially successful outcome.
02:30:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses his approach to problem-solving in the Middle East, emphasizing the need to listen and understand different perspectives. He praises Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which sets ambitious goals and establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive progress. He describes how Vision 2030 aims to create an economic and security corridor from Oman to Israel, promoting peace and prosperity in the region. Kushner also addresses the Jamal Khashoggi case, stating that Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) takes responsibility for the incident and is committed to ensuring justice and implementing reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future. Despite the controversy, MBS continues to focus on modernizing and developing opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
02:35:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the challenges of achieving peace in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Palestine. He explains that the incentive structure for different leaders is often flawed and that previous peace processes failed due to this structural issue. He also highlights the importance of focusing on creating safety, security, and better opportunities for people. Additionally, Kushner emphasizes the need to hold people accountable for their actions while ensuring that progress is not hindered in the process. He then briefly mentions his work on the Abraham Accords, which aimed to foster peace between Israel and other Middle Eastern countries.
02:40:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses his different approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He criticizes the previous negotiation process, which he believes had the wrong incentive structure, with Israeli settlements expanding every time negotiations failed and Palestinians receiving more money, most of which did not benefit the people. Kushner wanted a simpler and more practical solution, so he wrote down a proposed solution that he thought was fair and asked each side to react to it. He also emphasizes the need to separate the issue into two parts: the territorial dispute between Israel and Palestine, and the issue of the Al-Aqsa Mosque representing the Muslim world. Kushner believes that resolving territorial contiguity is the key, and his team spent months drawing a map for a pragmatic solution.
02:45:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the issues of drawing a map, security, and religious sites in relation to the Israel-Palestine conflict. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety and security of Israel, while also creating a peaceful and inclusive environment for Palestinians. Kushner suggests making it simple for everyone to worship peacefully at religious sites and proposes economic measures to improve the lives of Palestinians. He criticizes the current approach of providing unconditional aid to the Palestinian leadership and urges for transparency and reform to ensure that the money reaches the people who need it. Furthermore, he highlights the need for accountability in the allocation of aid and criticizes the corruption within the Palestinian organizations.
02:50:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the potential for peace and normalization in Israel and Palestine. He highlights the importance of creating a framework that allows Jews and Muslims to come together and have access to holy sites. Kushner believes that increasing the number of countries with diplomatic relations with Israel can benefit the economy of the West Bank and promote tourism. He recognizes the suffering of the Palestinian people, who are held back by their leadership's fear and self-interest. Kushner emphasizes the need to focus on building a better future rather than dwelling on the past, and encourages the establishment of an economy where entrepreneurs can flourish. He also discusses the divide he observed in the Muslim world between leaders who prioritize economic reforms and those who use religion or fear to maintain power. Kushner expresses pride in the progress made through Arab-Israeli normalization agreements and the impact they have had on diplomatic relations in the region.
02:55:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the transformative effect of the Abraham Accords on the perception of Jews and Muslims. He explains that prior to the Accords, anyone who said positive things about Israel or Jews would be attacked by the media or extremists in Muslim Arab countries. However, the Accords brought to light the fact that Jews and Muslims can coexist, be respectful, and even socialize and have meals together. This normalization has a ripple effect on cultural exchange, conversations, business, and socializing, fostering a sense of togetherness and unity between previously separated worlds. Kushner believes that this marks the beginning of the end of the Arab-Israeli conflict and paves the way for religious respect and understanding.
Jared Kushner, in an interview on the Lex Fridman Podcast, discusses various topics including his career shift, negotiations, his involvement in stabilizing oil markets, interactions with world leaders, his perspective on China, and his experiences in Iraq. He emphasizes the importance of trust, open dialogue, and bold leadership in negotiations and conflict resolution. Kushner also shares his thoughts on the rise of China, the need for a level playing field, and the potential for advancements in technology and human progress. Overall, he encourages meaningful conversations, learning from different perspectives, and taking on seemingly impossible challenges.
03:00:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses his career shift from the private sector to government and then to starting his own investment firm. He explains that his time in government gave him a deeper understanding of the world and the macroeconomic picture, leading him to believe he could do more than just go back to real estate. With his geopolitical expertise and private equity knowledge, he aimed to create a business that would invest in growing ventures and help navigate challenges. He also mentions the importance of building economic ties between countries, such as the Gulf and Israel, to reduce the likelihood of war. Kushner addresses criticisms, stating that he has followed all laws and ethics rules, and invites his critics to judge him based on objective metrics in the future. He then discusses his experience working closely with Donald Trump, highlighting Trump's unpredictability, pragmatism, and desire for results. Kushner mentions how Trump is open to hearing differing opinions, and shares an example of how they worked together to grant clemency to a woman with a legitimate case.
03:05:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses President Trump's unpredictability and how it worked in favor of negotiating agreements. He mentions the USMCA trade deal with Mexico and how Mexico was concerned about potential tariffs on the car industry, but a win-win deal was eventually reached. Kushner also shares a funny story about Trudeau calling Trump regarding National Security tariffs on Canada. He emphasizes that Trump was not afraid to take calculated risks and was successful in achieving peace deals and trade deals without starting any new wars. Kushner believes that if Trump had won the presidency again, there would not be a war in Ukraine today. He also discusses the possibility of negotiating peace and mentions being in a room with Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky.
03:10:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the key factors that contribute to both successful and failed conversations in the context of negotiations. He emphasizes the importance of trust between leaders and the ability to communicate openly without fear of leaks to the public. To achieve a productive conversation, there needs to be an off-ramp, but political leaders may not be able to express this publicly. He suggests that a third-party mediator is needed to create a new paradigm and a landing zone that both parties can agree upon. He acknowledges the complexity of the Israel-Palestine conflict but emphasizes the importance of moving forward and focusing on the future instead of getting stuck in blaming each other. In terms of bringing Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky together, Kushner believes it requires bold leadership from a US president, someone who is willing to put themselves on the line. He also mentions the significance of building trust between nations and cites the example of Russia sending supplies to the US during the COVID-19 pandemic as a sign of goodwill and potential for collaboration. Overall, Kushner highlights the need for open dialogue, trust-building, and courageous leadership in order to achieve successful negotiations and resolve conflicts.
03:15:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses his involvement in the negotiations between Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United States to stabilize the oil markets during the COVID-19 pandemic. With demand dropping and both Saudi Arabia and Russia increasing production, there was a potential crisis looming. Kushner emphasizes that President Trump favored low oil prices, so he initially wasn't inclined to intervene. However, after Kushner explained the seriousness of the situation, Trump gave him permission to get involved. Kushner spent three days non-stop on the phone with Russian and Saudi officials, eventually agreeing on the largest oil cut in history. He also shares a funny anecdote about the deal when Mexico initially didn't agree to their cuts. Throughout this discussion, Kushner gives insights into the perspectives of different countries, including the strategic concerns of Russia and their history of being attacked. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these perspectives to find a pathway forward in any negotiation or conflict.
03:20:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses the first phone call and meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, the President of China. He explains that the call initially caused tension because Trump had taken a call from the head of Taiwan, which was seen as an insult by the Chinese. However, Kushner believed that the two leaders coming together could lead to resolutions on various issues. They negotiated for the first call and agreed that Trump would acknowledge the "One China" policy, which he saw as a small concession. The meeting between Trump and Xi ended up lasting longer than anticipated, and they set ground rules to avoid discussing Taiwan for the entire four years of the Trump administration. They focused on trade issues and North Korea instead. The meeting went well, and Kushner believes that showing respect for Chinese culture, such as through his daughter's singing of Chinese songs, helped to create a warm atmosphere.
03:25:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses his experiences with China during his time as an advisor to President Trump. He recalls President Xi Jinping's emphasis on Chinese history, particularly the Treaty of Unequals and the Hundred Years of Humiliation, which shaped Xi's commitment to seeing China rise. He also mentions how the perception of China shifted from being the champion of free trade to a country that was not following the rules-based order. Trump's administration took a tough stance on China, imposing tariffs and engaging in a high-stakes poker game of escalating tariffs and retaliation. Kushner played a role as a back channel with the Chinese to deescalate tensions. He believes that Trump's policies were successful in raising global awareness about China's practices and working towards economic parity. Kushner recommends reading the book "The Hundred-Year Marathon" by Michael Pillsbury, which provides an alternative perspective on China's quest to reclaim its position as a global leader. Despite the tensions, Kushner suggests that it is possible for the two superpowers to find ways to work together in the 21st century.
03:30:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses China's rise as a global superpower and its strategic tactics to become the dominant leader in the new world order. He highlights how China strategically advanced by utilizing the knowledge and resources of other countries, including the United States. He mentions their exploitation of intellectual property, espionage, and disregard for international trade rules. China ultimately became the world's manufacturing hub and initiated the Belt and Road Initiative to secure their dominance. Kushner credits Trump's tariffs for slowing down their progress. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining America's advantage over China and creating a level playing field so that America can outperform in the global market. The goal was to prevent China from having monopolies and pricing power in different industries, as well as geopolitical power.
03:35:00 In this section, Jared Kushner shares a funny story about his experience visiting Iraq with General Dumford and the unexpected situation he found himself in. He explains that his behind-the-scenes approach allowed him more maneuverability and the ability to gain trust from others. Kushner also gives advice on how to have an impactful life, emphasizing the importance of hard work, continuous learning, and stepping out of one's comfort zone.
03:40:00 In this section, Jared Kushner discusses his approach to problem-solving and learning. He emphasizes the importance of taking initiative and not making excuses, stating that if you want to accomplish something, you have to go after it relentlessly. He also shares his process of learning, which involves talking to people with expertise in various fields, reading extensively on every topic, and constantly iterating his plans based on new knowledge. Kushner highlights the value of listening and asking questions, citing an example of meeting with a Middle Eastern leader who commended his approach of seeking advice and input. He believes that this human-centric approach can lead to productive solutions and wishes for more of it in society.
03:45:00 In this section, Jared Kushner reflects on his experience of traveling the country and meeting people with diverse viewpoints, emphasizing the importance of engaging in meaningful conversations with those who hold different opinions. He believes that by understanding each other's perspectives and working together, people can make a positive impact on society's challenges. Looking to the future, Kushner sees hope in the potential advancements that can be achieved through artificial intelligence, cheaper energy, medical cures, and scientific discoveries. By focusing on these advancements rather than on tribal battles and tensions between nations, he envisions a bright future for humanity that includes the possibility of becoming a multiplanetary species. He encourages others to have the courage to try and take on seemingly hopeless problems, as his own experiences have shown that success is attainable.