Latest news with #Kushner
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Star Lawyer Who Defended Trump's Family Issues Stark Warning About Presidency
The super-lawyer who kept Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump out of legal jeopardy during Robert Mueller's Russian investigation now fears Donald Trump will demolish the very institutions that protected them. 'I have never been as concerned as to whether our system can withstand the pressure it is being put to,' Abbe Lowell told the Financial Times, warning that the White House is 'pushing the tree to the point that it could break,' noting that during Trump's first term, critics of the president said democracy was 'tested but didn't break.' The legal eagle has defended several high-profile Democrat figures—including Bill Clinton and Joe Biden's son, Hunter. But he is perhaps best known for his high-stakes work for Trump's daughter and son-in-law. In June 2017, the Daily Beast reported that Kushner, 44, who is married to Ivanka, 43, had hired Lowell to join his defense team as Robert Mueller's Russia probe heated up. The following month, Ivanka followed suit, tasking the prominent lawyer to provide 'legal and ethical advice' as investigators examined possible campaign ties to Moscow, bringing both Trump family members under the same high-powered counsel. Now, Lowell says, Ivanka father's behavior in his second term threatens to smash the constitutional 'wall' separating courts from executive muscle. 'The crack you put in the wall today becomes the gash tomorrow,' Lowell had told Congress in 1998. That was 'not a bad prophecy', Lowell told the FT, saying that the structure is 'more than cracked, not yet crumbled.' In an attempt to fight back, Lowell, 73, has launched Lowell & Associates to combat what he calls government 'over-reach.' Nine law firms, he says, have already 'buckled' under Trump-era intimidation—agreeing to nearly $1 billion in work that advances the president's agenda while muzzling internal critics. Several defectors from those firms have signed up to Lowell's boutique organization, Lowell said, with many more showing interest. Clients include New York Attorney General Letitia James—now under federal investigation after winning a massive civil-fraud judgment against Trump—and former DHS official Miles Taylor, whose security clearance vanished after he blasted the president. Both hope Lowell's aggressive strategy can blunt a barrage of executive orders targeting universities, NGOs and even courthouses. 'I don't know the administration has the ability, breadth, depth and expertise to handle all' the resulting lawsuits, Lowell said. Yet the veteran litigator is under no illusion every legal action will stick. With a Supreme Court that 'believes in an executive branch with broad power,' reports the FT, Lowell says challengers must craft cases on First Amendment grounds rather than on presidential authority. Because if Trump diminishes the authority of the country's courts, Lowell warns, 'there will just be rubble from that wall.' The Daily Beast has approached the White House for comment.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Star Lawyer Who Defended Trump's Family Issues Stark Warning About Presidency
The super-lawyer who kept Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump out of legal jeopardy during Robert Mueller's Russian investigation now fears Donald Trump will demolish the very institutions that protected them. 'I have never been as concerned as to whether our system can withstand the pressure it is being put to,' Abbe Lowell told the Financial Times, warning that the White House is 'pushing the tree to the point that it could break,' noting that during Trump's first term, critics of the president said democracy was 'tested but didn't break.' The legal eagle has defended several high-profile Democrat figures—including Bill Clinton and Joe Biden's son, Hunter. But he is perhaps best known for his high-stakes work for Trump's daughter and son-in-law. In June 2017, the Daily Beast reported that Kushner, 44, who is married to Ivanka, 43, had hired Lowell to join his defense team as Robert Mueller's Russia probe heated up. The following month, Ivanka followed suit, tasking the prominent lawyer to provide 'legal and ethical advice' as investigators examined possible campaign ties to Moscow, bringing both Trump family members under the same high-powered counsel. Now, Lowell says, Ivanka father's behavior in his second term threatens to smash the constitutional 'wall' separating courts from executive muscle. 'The crack you put in the wall today becomes the gash tomorrow,' Lowell had told Congress in 1998. That was 'not a bad prophecy', Lowell told the FT, saying that the structure is 'more than cracked, not yet crumbled.' In an attempt to fight back, Lowell, 73, has launched Lowell & Associates to combat what he calls government 'over-reach.' Nine law firms, he says, have already 'buckled' under Trump-era intimidation—agreeing to nearly $1 billion in work that advances the president's agenda while muzzling internal critics. Several defectors from those firms have signed up to Lowell's boutique organization, Lowell said, with many more showing interest. Clients include New York Attorney General Letitia James—now under federal investigation after winning a massive civil-fraud judgment against Trump—and former DHS official Miles Taylor, whose security clearance vanished after he blasted the president. Both hope Lowell's aggressive strategy can blunt a barrage of executive orders targeting universities, NGOs and even courthouses. 'I don't know the administration has the ability, breadth, depth and expertise to handle all' the resulting lawsuits, Lowell said. Yet the veteran litigator is under no illusion every legal action will stick. With a Supreme Court that 'believes in an executive branch with broad power,' reports the FT, Lowell says challengers must craft cases on First Amendment grounds rather than on presidential authority. Because if Trump diminishes the authority of the country's courts, Lowell warns, 'there will just be rubble from that wall.' The Daily Beast has approached the White House for comment.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner Are Investing $1.4 Billion To Turn Abandoned Soviet Weapons Base in Albania Into Luxury Island Resort
Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, are set to invest a staggering $1.4 billion into turning an abandoned Soviet weapons base into a luxury island resort—as the former first daughter prepares to follow in her father's footsteps as a real estate developer. Ivanka, 43, and Kushner, 44, who recently finished work on their family mansion in Miami, have spent the past year working on plans to transform the Albanian island of Sazan—one of the last undeveloped islands in the Mediterranean—into a must-visit destination for the wealthy and privileged. The couple, who both served as senior advisors in President Donald Trump's first administration but opted not to rejoin his cabinet after his 2024 election win, took a massive step toward their dream of creating the 'extraordinary' retreat in January, when their plans received preliminary approval from the Albanian government, according to the New York Times. That approval came just two months after Ivanka's father claimed victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, and days before he was inaugurated for the second time, with the outlet noting that the project is 'one of several' involving members of the president's family and foreign government entities that Trump will be actively working with in the White House. Both Kushner and a spokesperson for the Albanian government had previously shut down any suggestion that the project's evaluation process would be in any way influenced by its direct connection to Trump—however, that hasn't stopped questions from being raised over the approval. 'The fact that such a renowned American entrepreneur shows his interest on investing in Albania makes us very proud and happy,' a representative of Albanian President Edi Rama told the Times in 2024. Even before the couple had received approval for their plans, locals were abuzz with speculation about the project, with many now referring to the island as 'Ishulli i Trumpëve,' which translates to 'Trump Island.' Both Ivanka and Kushner have close ties to the real estate industry via their respective families. Before President Trump launched himself into politics, he was best known for his career as a developer, while Kushner's family owns a vast portfolio of commercial, residential, and retail properties in and around New York. However, this project marks the first time that the couple will venture into the heady world of luxury hotels—with multiple reports noting that they face a steep uphill battle before their resort will be ready for visitors. Having conquered the first hurdle—receiving approval from the government to forge ahead with their plans—the duo will now have to tackle the remnants of the island's somewhat dark past as a Soviet-era storage facility for chemical weapons. According to Italian journalist Marzio Mian, who visited the island in July 2024, shortly after Ivanka and Kushner's plans for the 1,400-acre land were revealed, it is littered with 'signs depicting skull and crossbones, warning of landmines,' with visitors to the area warned not to venture too far off specific paths out of fears that they could stumble across an unexploded ordnance. Plans to remove the remaining weapons and ammunition on the island are well underway, however, with the Albanian government announcing in July 2020 that members of the country's armed forces had been despatched to Sazan in order to begin clearing it of any dangerous ordnance. After Ivanka and Kushner's plans for their resort received preliminary approval, the Albanian government confirmed that it would work with them in order to continue clearing their development site of all unexploded and buried weapons. As for the crumbling military buildings and 3,600 derelict bunkers that were abandoned on the island, the couple is reportedly planning to incorporate at least a few of them into their hotel plans—with Ivanka revealing in a 2024 podcast interview that they were working with the 'best architects and the best brands' to make the resort into an 'extraordinary' property. Despite the remnants of the island's dark past as a Communist military base, tourists began flocking to its dazzling beaches as early as 2017, when it was reopened to the public after being closed for years. According to Lonely Planet, the island is easily accessible by regular ferries from Vlore, one of Albania's most popular—and luxurious—tourist destinations, a reputation that Ivanka and Kushner will undoubtedly be keen to transfer to their own high-end hotel. 'Once used as a submarine and chemical-weapons base by the Soviet Union during the Cold War, it's now home to an Albanian-Italian military base used to combat narcotics smuggling,' Lonely Planet states. 'In the summer of 2017, a small area of the island opened to visitors, making parts of its pristine coastline and historic relics accessible for the first time.' President Rama made no secret of his excitement about the Trump-Kushner development, telling The Guardian that he believes Albania 'can't afford not to exploit a gift like Sazan' and adding: 'We need luxury tourism like a desert needs water.' To that end, the government is even in the process of building an airport near Vlore to ferry wealthy tourists directly to the country's most affluent and desirable area—an airport that would also serve as an easy access point for Ivanka and Kushner's hotel. However, not everyone is thrilled about the project, with some critics accusing the Albanian government of a lack of transparency about the deal with the couple, according to the Times. One, Agron Shehaj, who is a member of the opposition party in the Albanian government, told the outlet: 'Of course for Albania, which is a poor country, it is important to develop tourism. But there has been a lack of transparency here, and it makes it look like this is a private deal that is in the political interest of the prime minister of Albania.' Others raised concerns about the impact that the development will have on the island's thriving wildlife, including freelance tour guide Arben Kola, who told The Independent: 'The way tourism works for Sazan at the moment is it helps to preserve nature, not damage it. We shouldn't change that.' Though Kushner has not commented on the recent reports about his proposed tourism mecca, he told The Guardian in 2024 that their plans would carefully consider Sazan's natural environment—stating: 'When people announce a development, everyone gets scared. 'Everybody assumes the worst. But once they see the plans we have, the way we're designing it, the way we're being faithful and considerate of the environment around us, I think that people will be very, very pleased. And again, with developments, you never make everyone happy.' As yet, it is unclear when work on the resort will begin—with documents pertaining to the preliminary government approval noting that officials had the right to revoke the decision pending further negotiations. Buyers Priced Out of Owning Their Dream Home in the Suburbs Have a Solution—They're Renting Behind the White Picket Fences Instead Home Affordability Is 'Historically Low,' Says JPMorganChase Household Real Estate Value Falls in the First Quarter of the Year
Newsweek
17-06-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Employee Mortified After Panic Attack at Work—Then Receives Note From Boss
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Internet users are rallying around a boss's act of kindness after an employee had to leave work due to a panic attack. A few days later, their employer sent a heartfelt handwritten card—and the gesture has touched thousands online. Reddit user u/GI-Robots-Alt shared the story in the r/MadeMeSmile subreddit, explaining what happened to their partner. "My partner, who has major anxiety and depressive disorders, had a panic attack at work last week, was super embarrassed, and had to leave early. They got this card from their boss a few days later. It made me cry a little honestly. I'm so thankful that they have such an understanding employer," the user wrote. The post, which has received more than 6,100 upvotes, included a photo of the card, which contained a message of empathy, encouragement, and affirmation. The boss thanked the employee for being themselves and for bringing "art," "kindness," "joy," and "light" to those around them. They reminded the employee of their "incredible strength" and emphasized how much they are appreciated, writing that they show up and do their best every day. The message concluded: "Don't let anyone make you forget. The world needs what you have to offer." Stock image: A woman smiles as she reads a card at a table. Stock image: A woman smiles as she reads a card at a table. Farknot_Architect/iStock / Getty Images Plus Expert Insight Licensed therapist Alyssa Kushner, LCSW, told Newsweek why gestures like this are especially meaningful following workplace panic attacks. "A simple 'You're not in trouble. I care about you. Take the time you need' can be so deeply healing," she said. "The handwritten card in this story is a beautiful example of relational safety—and a reminder that small acts of compassion can undo layers of shame," Kushner added. She added that panic attacks at work often feel particularly shameful because our self-worth is so closely tied to our performance and how "together" we appear. In fast-paced, high-pressure environments, many people push through stress and burnout silently, afraid of judgment or stigma. So when a panic attack becomes visible—crying, shaking, or leaving suddenly—it can feel like a personal failure or loss of composure, especially for those who struggle with perfectionism. What actually helps, Kushner said, is nonjudgmental, compassionate support—exactly like what this boss provided. Acknowledging what happened without minimizing or ignoring it can help regulate the nervous system and restore a sense of safety. Certified trauma-informed human potential coach Kamini Wood also weighed in, telling Newsweek: "In order for businesses to be more productive and successful long-term, recognizing that employees are human beings and have trauma or emotional challenges at times is so important." "As humans, we all need to be seen and heard," Wood continued. "When someone is experiencing an emotional or mental challenge, it is vital to give them space and to allow them what they need in order for their nervous system to regulate again." Reddit Reacts Thousands of Reddit users were moved by the post and praised the boss for their empathy and leadership. "That is a great boss with strong, empathetic leadership skills," one user wrote. "Came here to say this. Amazing boss!" added another. "I love hearing these stories. It restores my faith in humanity. My boss is the exact opposite. This gives me hope!" someone else shared. "My boss is like this and it's why my loyalty is to her and not the owner of the company I work for. True leadership at its best!" another commenter noted. One user summed it up perfectly: "There's a pretty common phrase with a lot of variations that's basically, 'People don't leave bad jobs, they leave bad bosses.' The inverse also seems true; that people will stay when they have good bosses." Newsweek reached out to u/GI-Robots-Alt for comment via Reddit. We could not verify the details of the case. Newsweek's "What Should I Do?" offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story could be featured on "WSID" at Newsweek.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Billionaire island of Bezos & Kushner fights over sewage
Surfside in the foreground, and homes and a golf course on the island of Indian Creek Village. Water testing often detects signs of fecal contamination in the turquoise waters of Miami region that officials advise swimmers to stay out INDIAN CREEK VILLAGE, FLORIDA: On a man-made island north of Miami, the titans of various industries have found their refuge. Jeff Bezos , the Amazon founder, has collected a trio of properties along the same shoreline as the football legend Tom Brady and President Trump's daughter and son-in-law, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. A community of only a few dozen homes, the latest of which sold for $110 million as a vacant lot, Indian Creek Village has emerged as the US' premier enclave for billionaires willing to pay any price to achieve the pinnacle of privacy, security and luxury. A gated bridge blocks the public from access, and a police force uses cameras and radar to monitor anyone who approaches. But one amenity of modern life has remained surprisingly elusive. In a place where many of the estates have more than 10 toilets, nobody has quite figured out how to dispose of what comes out of them. Septic systems along the shores of Biscayne Bay have for decades been a source of pollution. Indian Creek, known as the "Billionaire Bunker," finally came up with a plan to get rid of the septic tanks and export the island's waste through the sewer pipes of the neighbouring town, Surfside. But to Indian Creek's surprise, Surfside wanted $10 million for the privilege. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Officials there contended the fee was a contribution to the historical cost of a system that Surfside created and maintained. Indian Creek leaders called it extortion. Quietly, they went to the state Capitol. In the battle between the island billionaires and the neighbouring millionaires, Indian Creek is on the cusp of prevailing. Buried deep in a large transportation bill approved by the state legislature is a new legal measure prohibiting municipalities from blocking or charging for the installation of certain sewer lines - like the one Indian Creek wants to build. The bill, which would force Surfside to accept its neighbour's sewage, is now headed to the state's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis. Indian Creek's village council is filled with major Republican political allies. One of them is Kushner, who was quietly appointed to the council last year. In his earlier political life, Kushner played a critical White House role. His agenda now features discussions about municipal contracts and mutual aid agreements.
