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Trump to Nominate Charles Kushner as Ambassador to France, Citing “Tremendous Leadership”
President-elect Donald Trump announced Saturday his intention to nominate Charles Kushner, a real estate developer and father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, as the U.S. ambassador to France. The nomination was revealed in a post on Truth Social, where Trump praised Kushner’s business acumen and philanthropic work, according to NBC News.
President-elect Trump wants Charles Kushner, the pardoned real estate developer and father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to be ambassador to France.
ABC News’ @Jayobtv reports on the latest from the Trump transition. pic.twitter.com/u7GyK9iGx9
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) November 30, 2024
“He is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests,” Trump wrote.
Trump also congratulated Kushner’s family, mentioning his wife Seryl, their four children, and 14 grandchildren.
Kushner’s Background and Presidential Pardon
Charles Kushner, a figure not without controversy, was pardoned by Trump in 2020. NBC News reports that Kushner pleaded guilty in 2005 to 18 counts, including tax evasion, witness tampering, and making illegal campaign donations. He served two years in prison as part of a plea deal.
The case was prosecuted by Chris Christie, then U.S. attorney for New Jersey, who later became the state’s governor and a political rival of Trump. Christie described the case in 2019 as “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted,” NBC News notes.
A Nod to Family Connections
Trump’s announcement also highlighted Jared Kushner’s contributions during Trump’s first term, including work on Operation Warp Speed, criminal justice reform, and the Abraham Accords. Jared Kushner, married to Ivanka Trump, served as a senior White House adviser.
“[Charles’] son, Jared, worked closely with me in the White House… Together, we will strengthen America’s partnership with France, our oldest Ally, & one of our greatest!” Trump said, as reported by NBC News.
France and U.S. Relations
NBC News underscores the strategic importance of the ambassadorship to France, a key U.S. ally. Trump’s choice of Charles Kushner signals his intent to deepen ties with Paris through a figure closely tied to his inner circle.
This nomination follows a history of contentious political relationships, including the pardon issued to Kushner in the final days of Trump’s first administration. The move is expected to reignite discussions about the influence of Trump’s personal and familial relationships on his policymaking.
