Donald Trump, the president-elect, has nominated Charles Kushner, a real estate developer and the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as the next US ambassador to France. Trump announced this decision on Saturday through a post on Truth Social, praising Charles Kushner’s business acumen and philanthropic efforts.
“I am pleased to nominate Charles Kushner, of New Jersey, to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to France. He is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, and dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our country and its interests,” Trump wrote.
The nomination highlights the family connection, as Jared Kushner, Charles Kushner’s son, is married to Trump’s daughter Ivanka. Jared Kushner was a key figure in Trump’s first administration, playing significant roles in initiatives such as Operation Warp Speed, Criminal Justice Reform, and the Abraham Accords.
Charles Kushner’s past, however, has been controversial. In 2005, he pleaded guilty to 16 counts of tax evasion, one count of retaliating against a federal witness, and one count of lying to the Federal Election Commission. The case, led by then-US Attorney Chris Christie, stemmed from Kushner’s illegal campaign contributions and an elaborate scheme to intimidate his brother-in-law, William Schulder, a federal witness.
As part of the scheme, Kushner hired a prostitute to lure Schulder into a compromising situation at a motel, recording the encounter on a hidden camera. The footage was sent to Schulder’s wife, who was also Kushner’s sister, in an attempt to silence him. The plan backfired, and Kushner’s actions were exposed, leading to a two-year prison sentence.
Despite these legal troubles, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner in 2020 during his first term as president. This pardon has faced significant criticism, with Christie describing Kushner’s crimes as “loathsome” and “disgusting.”
Jared Kushner, who played an influential role in Trump’s first administration, has announced that he will not return to politics during the president-elect’s second term. Speaking at an event in Miami earlier this year, Jared stated his focus is now on his private equity firm, Affinity Partners. The firm, founded after leaving Washington, has received substantial backing from sovereign wealth funds in the Gulf region.
Since Trump’s departure from office in 2021, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump have largely stayed out of politics, relocating to Miami and focusing on private ventures. However, during Trump’s first tenure, Jared Kushner was deeply involved in shaping the administration’s policies, including those on immigration, China, the Middle East, and the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Trump’s decision to appoint Charles Kushner as ambassador has reignited debates over political appointments and the role of personal connections in public office. The nomination will likely face scrutiny given Kushner’s controversial past, but Trump’s endorsement signals confidence in his ability to represent US interests abroad.
Further details on Charles Kushner’s appointment and the confirmation process are expected in the coming weeks.