As Donald Trump was campaigning for a return to the White House in early 2024, the political news website Axios held its annual summit involving talks with movers and shakers in Washington, as well as business and media executives.

One of the interviews featured Jared Kushner, who Axios had floated weeks earlier as possible secretary of state candidate in a potential 2025 Trump administration. Kushner, the son-in-law of Trump, did his best to dispel such talk.

"I’ve been very clear that my desire at this phase of my life is to focus on my firm," Kushner, the CEO of investment fund Affinity Partners. "I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity as a family to be out of the spotlight."

If Kushner wanted out, what is clear now — as the U.S. engages in more negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine wa

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