In a recent development, Democrats on the House oversight committee have called upon Chair James Comer to convene a hearing to investigate former President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Representatives Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia, both Democrats, sent a letter to Comer requesting a hearing to examine Kushner's alleged influence peddling and quid pro quo deals involving investments in exchange for official actions. The Democrats also emphasized the potential threats to national security that may arise from these actions.

The House oversight committee, led by Comer, has already conducted a yearlong investigation and impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden. The focus of the inquiry was centered around Hunter Biden's financial dealings with foreign nationals during and after Joe Biden's tenure as vice president.

Although Comer has consistently claimed that Joe Biden was actively involved in his son's business deals, witnesses have contradicted this assertion, stating that the elder Biden had limited involvement, merely engaging in occasional greetings and exchanges of pleasantries with his son's business associates.

Raskin and Garcia highlighted recent reporting by The New York Times, which suggested that Kushner has been actively pursuing real estate deals with foreign governments utilizing his contacts as a former White House adviser, while Trump actively seeks to regain the presidency.

Comer has previously acknowledged that Kushner "crossed the line of ethics" when he secured a significant investment from Saudi Arabia shortly after leaving the White House. However, the Kentucky Republican disregarded the Democrats' call for a hearing, stating that Kushner, unlike the Bidens, has a legitimate business career predating Trump's political career. Comer dismissed the Democrats' letter as part of their strategy to protect President Biden from oversight.

Comer has consistently asserted that Joe Biden took advantage of his government service by allowing his family members to profit from their famous last name. Raskin has also noted that Trump himself owned businesses that directly received millions of dollars from foreign governments during his presidency, potentially violating the Constitution's ban on U.S. officials accepting foreign payments.

While the oversight committee's investigation into the Bidens has been marred by intense partisanship, there have been instances of apparent agreement regarding the issue of "influence peddling." In a recent hearing, Representative Katie Porter expressed the need to explore ways to prevent former officials from capitalizing on their government service. Comer acknowledged her concerns and expressed willingness to collaborate on related legislation.

As the demand for a hearing on Jared Kushner's alleged influence peddling grows, it remains to be seen whether Chair James Comer will heed the Democrats' request and further investigate the matter. The potential implications for national security and the need for transparency in government actions continue to be prominent topics of discussion among lawmakers.