Joe Borelli
Role at the time: Political commentator on CNN's Table for Five
Statement summary
Borelli defended Kushner by arguing that Affinity's indirect defense investments were a small part of a large portfolio. He challenged the inference that those holdings established improper influence.
“small part”
The panel discussed Affinity's stake in Phoenix Financial and Phoenix's holdings in businesses supplying Israel's military. Rivera argued that diplomatic decisions could affect Kushner's wealth. CNN's report said it found no indication that the diplomatic actions directly affected the investments examined.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Why we used this label
The reference point is the conflict between Kushner's investment ties and diplomatic role. Borelli defends him by disputing the significance of the indirect holdings.