Kushner and Saudi Prince Bond Over Video Games as EA Deal Raises Questions

September 19, 2026 - 17:55

Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, has reportedly developed an unusual friendship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, centered in part on their shared interest in video games. Sources familiar with the relationship say the two men have spent time playing games together, a detail that adds a personal dimension to a business relationship already under heavy scrutiny.

Kushner played a central role in the controversial sale of Electronic Arts, the video game giant behind titles like FIFA and Battlefield. The deal, which involved a consortium backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, raised eyebrows among critics who questioned the blending of private business interests with foreign government money. The transaction ultimately valued the company at tens of billions of dollars, making it one of the largest buyouts in the gaming industry's history.

The intersection of Kushner's personal rapport with the crown prince and his involvement in the EA sale has fueled debate about influence and access. Watchdog groups have pointed to the deal as an example of how relationships formed during the Trump administration continue to shape major financial moves. Neither Kushner nor representatives for the Saudi fund have offered detailed public comments on the matter.