Donald Trump’s biographer, Michael Wolff, has revealed in a recent podcast interview that the president’s inner circle remains in the dark about his decision-making on the Iran conflict, with the exception of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Wolff, who had unprecedented access to the White House during Trump’s first term, asserts that Kushner is the only person who truly understands Trump’s intentions on the issue and is the one person the president listens to.

The ‘Brains of This Operation’

According to Wolff, who appeared on the Inside Trump’s Head podcast, the Trump administration has given little clarity on its strategy in the Middle East, leaving even Republicans uneasy. ‘He has consulted with nobody,’ Wolff said. ‘Literally zero. If you are looking for the brains of this operation, it would be Jared Kushner.’

Wolff’s claim comes amid growing concerns over the lack of a coherent strategy in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Kushner, who does not hold an official senior adviser role in Trump’s second administration, has been acting as a key diplomat alongside businessman Steve Witkoff. The Daily Beast reported that both men were involved in failed negotiations with the Iranian regime just before the attacks began.

Kushner’s Financial Influence and Middle East Ties

Wolff argues that Kushner’s influence stems from his understanding of Trump’s core motivation: personal gain. ‘When you look at what Trump does, why he does what he does, it is always smart to look at what he can get out of it,’ Wolff explained. ‘What is the personal advantage to Donald Trump?’

Kushner has a long history of securing major financial deals for the Trump family, including a $2 billion investment from a Saudi fund into his private equity firm, Affinity Funds. Trump has also been expanding his circle of allies in other ways, with a controversial new addition to his Board of Peace raising fresh concerns.

Kushner’s connections in the Middle East extend beyond Saudi Arabia. He has long-standing relationships with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Despite these personal financial interests in the region, Trump sent Kushner to meet with Iranian negotiators for denuclearization talks last month in Geneva.

Business Interests Shaping Foreign Policy

Wolff suggests that Trump’s primary focus has always been on deal-making, real estate, oil, and capital, and that he has long viewed the Persian Gulf as a major area of opportunity. This indicates that business interests may be influencing serious foreign policy decisions.

Concerns are also growing outside the president’s inner circle. Trump’s former national security adviser, John Bolton, has expressed deep worries that Trump ‘hasn’t thought through the implications or laid the groundwork’ for his goals in this war. The conflict has already resulted in the deaths of six U.S. troops and at least 1,000 civilians.

Bolton’s warning raises serious questions about whether there is a clear and thought-out strategy behind the military action. These concerns extend beyond the Iran conflict, as Trump has also shrugged off fears of new domestic terror threats at home, suggesting the administration’s approach to national security remains broadly questioned.

According to Wolff, the lack of a clear strategy and the influence of Kushner highlight the chaotic nature of Trump’s decision-making on foreign policy. ‘If you’re looking for the brains of this operation, it’s Kushner,’ he said. ‘He is the only person truly inside Trump’s head.’