[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 21, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H3002-H3003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1030
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IS EMBOLDENED
(Ms. Ansari of Arizona was recognized to address the House for 5
minutes.)
Ms. ANSARI. Mr. Speaker, let's talk about naked, open, brazen
corruption. The Trump administration is guided and shaped by it,
emboldened by what they can get away with while the American taxpayer
watches their own hard-earned paycheck siphoned away by ever-growing
gas prices, groceries, rent, and healthcare. All the while, Donald
Trump flaunts his White House ballroom and D.C. arch, with displays of
nauseating corruption for his billionaire buddies in broad daylight.
Take Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law, a man with no
meaningful political, diplomatic, or civil service experience, who was
handed sweeping authority during the first Trump administration over
Middle East policy and was sent across the world to represent the
United States. At the same time, his family's real estate empire in New
York was in trouble after years of mismanagement and actively seeking
foreign investment. He sure found it.
Kushner was shaping U.S. foreign policy while simultaneously building
relationships with foreign leaders that would later become financially
valuable to him personally. He was acting as a diplomat for himself at
the expense of America's interests abroad and our national security.
Kushner communicated directly with wealthy, high-ranking officials
like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, using unsecured and
unauthorized channels like WhatsApp, with limited or no transparency
and recordkeeping regarding these official and ethically dubious
conversations.
Nothing has changed since the first Trump administration. In fact, it
has only gotten worse. They no longer even pretend to hide it.
While Kushner and Trump ally and billionaire friend Steve Witkoff
meet with Gulf countries about matters pertaining to U.S. national
security, they are also directly involved with selling massive billion-
dollar deals to friends and family of the President. It is the largest
corruption scandal ever seen in the United States, leading back
directly to Donald Trump, members of his family, and top administration
officials.
Kushner is a private citizen. He is not subject to the rules and
regulations of actual public servants, including background checks and
requirements for security clearance. He is negotiating America's
foreign policy and matters of literal war and peace between the United
States and Iran--some of the most consequential negotiations of the
21st century.
Meanwhile, new reporting from The New York Times shows that Kushner
is simultaneously soliciting $5 billion in new investment from the very
same foreign governments with a direct stake in these negotiations.
It would be too outlandish for a movie script. Yet, this is the
reality in America today: an elite ruling class that makes policy
decisions based on how it will affect their personal bottom line and
using taxpayer-funded government to get rich at our expense.
I mean, Trump is literally suing the IRS, which he controls, for $10
billion--money straight from the taxpayers into his own pocket.
There is hope. All across the world, people are organizing and
uniting against corrupt leaders who view government as a tool to enrich
themselves and their friends. In Hungary, after 16 years of democratic
backsliding in a state molded into a piggy bank for the elite, a broad
coalition defeated Viktor Orban, despite him doing literally everything
he could to rig the system in his own favor.
[[Page H3003]]
Hungary shows us that there is a path forward: follow the money, take
no vote for granted, and make corruption shameful again.
When Democrats take back the House in November, I will work to ensure
that subpoenas fly out for every taxpayer dollar and cent that Trump
and his family have spent during their time in office steering into
their own pockets. Kushner will come under oath and testify, and
accountability will not stop there.
Recognizing Miguel Alvarado
Ms. ANSARI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Miguel Alvarado of
Guadalupe, Arizona, a man deeply respected in our community.
For over two decades, Miguel has shown up for his neighbors with
consistency and with heart. For 25 years, he has led the Guadalupe Car
Show, a tradition that brings thousands together to celebrate culture,
creativity, and community pride.
The 25th Anniversary Guadalupe Car Show returns on Sunday, April 26,
transforming downtown Guadalupe into a vibrant festival with lowriders,
classic cars, and custom builds, drawing 10,000 to 15,000 attendees
from across Arizona. It is a must-attend event for families and car
enthusiasts alike.
Beyond the car show, Miguel has organized events for over 15 years
that support local families, including a back-to-school drive and a
Christmas celebration, bringing joy and gifts to children. For more
than a decade, he has also provided turkeys to families in need during
the holidays.
Mr. Speaker, Miguel's work brings people together, building a network
of volunteers committed to giving back. He reminds us that strong
communities are built by those who show up. I am proud to represent him
in Congress.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Evans of Colorado). Members are reminded
to refrain from engaging in personalities toward the President.
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