Trump appoints son-in-law to top White House post

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - President-elect Donald Trump announced Monday his son-in-law Jared Kushner will serve as his senior advisor.

Trump said in a statement that he is "proud to have him in a key leadership role in my administration."

"He will be an invaluable member of my team as I set and execute an ambitious agenda, putting the American people first," he said of Kushner.

Kushner will join Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and Chief Strategist Steve Bannon in implementing Trump's domestic and foreign policies.

Kushner is married to Trump's daughter, Ivanka, and his appointment is likely to fuel speculation of nepotism in the Trump White House.

He may not even be eligible for the post under a 1967 law that bars government officials from hiring relatives, though whether the regulation applies to cabinet posts is not clear.

The statement announcing Kushner's appointment adds he will not receive a salary while in the Trump administration, further diminishing the likelihood that the appointment would run afoul of the anti-nepotism law.

Kushner played a key role in Trump's campaign and has continued to be one of the most influential figures in the transition team. Prior to politicking, Kushner led his family's real estate company and was publisher of the New York Observer.

He will resign from both posts before entering the administration.