US President-elect Donald Trump has announced that he intends to nominate Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as the US ambassador to France.
This decision marks one of Trump’s early significant picks for ambassadorial positions. In a statement shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump expressed his confidence in Kushner, highlighting his achievements in business, philanthropy, and dealmaking.
Trump praised Charles Kushner as a "tremendous business leader" and a strong advocate who would represent the interests of the United States effectively.
Kushner, a well-known real estate figure, is the founder and chairman of Kushner Companies, a privately held real estate firm based in New Jersey. His business acumen and leadership in the industry have been well recognised, making him a key figure in Trump’s circle.
In addition to his business success, Charles Kushner has been involved in political donations. He has been a significant contributor to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, further cementing his relationship with the future US president.
However, his past is also marked by controversy. In 2004, Kushner pleaded guilty to several charges, including tax evasion and other crimes. Despite these convictions, he was granted a presidential pardon by Donald Trump in December 2020, an action that stirred significant public debate.
The Kushner family has long been close to Donald Trump. Charles Kushner's son, Jared Kushner, played a prominent role during Trump’s first term, serving as a senior advisor.
Jared is married to Ivanka Trump, the president-elect's eldest daughter, which further solidifies the Kushner family’s ties to the Trump administration.
Charles Kushner’s nomination to this important diplomatic post in France is likely to spark discussions due to his controversial history and his strong ties to the president-elect.
His selection underscores Trump’s continued reliance on family connections and his inner circle when making key decisions in his administration.
As the nomination moves forward, the focus will likely be on how Kushner’s business background and past legal troubles will impact his ability to represent the United States in one of Europe’s most influential capitals.