I just came across an article on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made it clear that Kushner wouldn't be chief of staff if he wasn't Trump's son-in-law.
She's right. Until Trump ran and won the president no one outside of NYC knew who Jared Kushner was. I didn't care. He had no bearing on my life and still doesn't. He is a son-in-law to a powerful man.
When you marry into a wealthy family, you are associated with that family. Yes, Jared came from a wealthy family. They aren't as well known across the country as the Trumps are.
So, yes, if it weren't for Trump Kushner wouldn't have the job he has now.