ROCHESTER, Minn. – Former presidential aide Jared Kushner has been in and out of Mayo Clinic for at least two surgeries for thyroid cancer. Kushner, son-in-law to former President Trump, was first at Mayo in October 2019 with his wife Ivanka Trump – and a security detail. At the time Kushner was Trump’s lead adviser on Middle East policy — even more valued by  Trump  than Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Kushner’s  portfolio also included myriad national policy issues.This first Rochester presence was not reported by local Rochester media, which have policies subservient to Mayo rules on patient confidentially. It was the London newspaper The Guardian that broke the story that part of Kushner’s thyroid had been excised at Mayo. Other London media soon followed.. Kushner had a second Mayo surgery in August 2021, which, the cat already out of the bag, was reported by the Rochester Post Bulletin. One night-out on this second Mayo visit,  an eatery stop was the upscale Bleu Duck Kitchen. Post Bulletin photographer Joe Ahlquist tracked the Kushners for the evening  for photos that were republished widely.

The secret diagnosis

Kushner was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in August 20l9 at Water Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. He kept te diagnosis a secret from President Trump and also his own wife Jvanka Trump – at least for a while. In his new autobiography, “Making History: A White House Memoir,” Kushner said Trump eventually found out. Kushner quoted Trump: “I’m the president. I know everything. I understand that you want to keep these things quiet. I like to keep things like this to myself as well. You’ll be just fine.”

Bleu Duck visit. On Kushner’s second Mayo visit, Post Bulletin photographer Joe Ahlquist spotted him and wife Ivanka Trump at the Bleu Duck Kitchen  for surreptitious photos inside and out.

Thyroid profile

Thyroid cancers are a treatable variety although they can require multiple surgeries. The gland is in the neck below the Adam’s apple. The gland secretes hormones that affect metabolism and protein synthesis.  Diseased sections can be removed by surgery or treated with radioactive iodine.

Thyroid gland. About two inches long. Goiters not uncommon.