President-elect Donald Trump made a significant announcement on Saturday, revealing his selection of New York real estate developer Charles Kushner as his pick for Ambassador to France. In a social media post, Trump praised Kushner as “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker.”
Trump extended his congratulations to Kushner, his wife Seryl, their four children, and 14 grandchildren. Notably, Kushner’s son, Jared, had previously worked closely with Trump in the White House on various initiatives such as Operation Warp Speed, Criminal Justice Reform, and the Abraham Accords. Trump expressed his confidence in strengthening America’s partnership with France, emphasizing the country’s status as the oldest ally of the United States.
Before assuming the role of Ambassador to France, Kushner’s nomination must be confirmed by the Senate. If approved, he would succeed Denise Campbell Bauer in the position. The 70-year-old founder of Kushner Companies, a private real estate firm, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Additionally, Kushner, who is also an attorney, is the father of Jared Kushner, who served as a senior adviser to Trump during his first term and is married to Ivanka Trump.
Kushner’s past includes legal troubles, as he was convicted in 2005 by a federal jury for illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion, and witness tampering. Former New Jersey governor and federal prosecutor Chris Christie, who prosecuted the case, described it as one of the most egregious crimes he had encountered. Following his conviction, Kushner spent two years in prison before returning to his real estate business. In a controversial move, Trump granted Kushner a pardon in 2020 shortly before the conclusion of his first term.
The relationship between the United States and France holds significant importance on various fronts, including trade and security. With concerns looming over the possibility of the U.S. withdrawing from the NATO military alliance under Trump’s administration, the role of Ambassador to France becomes even more crucial in maintaining diplomatic ties.
As Trump’s administration prepares for the transition of power, the appointment of Charles Kushner as Ambassador to France signals a new chapter in U.S.-France relations. The nomination underscores Kushner’s extensive business background and his potential to navigate complex international issues in the diplomatic sphere.
*Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney contributed reporting.
