Washington:A US government watchdog has filed a lawsuit against Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, arguing that he is exercising significant government authority as a diplomatic envoy without Senate confirmation or the necessary financial disclosures expected of senior officials.

According to Anadolu Agency, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) initiated the lawsuit in federal court, claiming Kushner's involvement in sensitive diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, and Iran effectively makes him a federal officer. This status would require formal appointment and Senate confirmation under the US Constitution.

CREW's president, Donald K. Sherman, expressed concerns about Kushner's authority, stating that he is influencing critical foreign policy and national security issues without complying with legal prerequisites that assure his competence and prioritize America's interests over his private ones.

The lawsuit also highlights potential conflicts of interest due to Kushner's private business dealings. He manages Affinity Partners, an investment firm with over $6 billion in assets, much of which is supported by foreign investors from countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. These nations have been involved in Middle Eastern tensions, either as mediators or as parties in conflicts.

CREW is requesting the court to restrict Kushner from exercising government authority without proper appointment and confirmation and to mandate that he submit financial disclosures. The lawsuit arises as Kushner becomes more prominent in the Trump administration's foreign policy activities, despite lacking a confirmed government position. The White House and Kushner have yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit.