The father of senior White House adviser Jared Kushner said in a new interview that he would register as an independent if he were to vote today, rebuking the Democratic Party for moving left on various political issues.
Charles Kushner told The Real Deal that despite going to prison for illegal campaign donations to Democrats in the past, he “shouldn’t” call himself a Democrat or a Republican today.
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“I don’t share a lot of the Republican beliefs and values on a lot of issues,” he said.
“That being said, I don’t share a lot of the Democratic beliefs and values as I used to, much more firmly. The Democratic Party that I supported for all the years is not the same Democratic Party of today on a lot of issues that are very near and dear to my heart,” Kushner said.
“I’m still a Democrat. But I shouldn’t say that. If I had to register today, I’d probably register myself as an independent, because I’m probably not in either political camp, truthfully, on a lot of the issues,” he added.
Jared Kushner is married to President Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump.
Charles Kushner went on to say that despite being registered currently as a Democrat, he “believes” in President Trump and his administration, chastising some Democrats for their staunch resistance to the Trump administration.
“It’s very controversial to say, I do believe in President Trump. I think he’s done a good job,” he said.
“I think he’s a great leader, and I think it’s very sad that our society…that it’s created — in a way, I think it’s almost healthy — but it’s sad that it’s created this terrible animosity and the inability to tolerate other people who don’t agree with your viewpoint,” he told the website. “It’s just horrible, in my opinion.”
Charles Kushner was convicted in 2005 for tax evasion, tampering with a witness, and illegal campaign donations to Democratic political campaigns that stemming in part from a family feud. He served 14 months in prison before his release to a halfway house.
The Hill has reached out for comment on whether Kushner can vote after his conviction and why he is not registered as a voter.