Trump Nominates Charles Kushner as US Ambassador to France
President-elect Donald Trump nominated Charles Kushner as the US Ambassador to France, praising his business skills despite Kushner's controversial past, including a 2005 conviction for tax evasion and witness tampering, from which he received a presidential pardon. The Senate confirmation process will be crucial for US-France relations.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
Washington D.C. - In a surprise move, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as the US Ambassador to France. The announcement was made on November 30, 2024, via a post on Truth Social, where Trump praised Kushner as "a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, and dealmaker."
A Controversial Past
Charles Kushner, a prominent real estate developer and founder of Kushner Companies, has a checkered past. In 2005, he was convicted on multiple charges, including tax evasion and witness tampering, and served two years in prison. He received a presidential pardon from Trump in December 2020.
Table: Charles Kushner's Convictions and Pardon
Charge
Conviction
Sentence
Pardon
Tax evasion
2005
2 years in prison
December 2020
Witness tampering
2005
2 years in prison
December 2020
The Nomination Process
The nomination of Charles Kushner is expected to undergo Senate confirmation. If confirmed, he would succeed Denise Campbell Bauer as ambassador to France.
List: Key Players in the Nomination Process
- Charles Kushner: Nominee for US Ambassador to France
- Donald Trump: President-elect of the United States
- Jared Kushner: Son-in-law of Donald Trump and son of Charles Kushner
- Denise Campbell Bauer: Current US Ambassador to France
US-France Relations
The appointment of Charles Kushner as US Ambassador to France comes at a time of heightened importance in US-France relations. The two countries have a long-standing partnership, and Kushner's nomination is expected to strengthen this relationship.
Table: US-France Relations
Area of Cooperation
Importance
Trade
High
Security
High
Counter-terrorism
High
Climate change
Medium
Conclusion
The nomination of Charles Kushner as US Ambassador to France is a significant move by President-elect Donald Trump. While Kushner's past is controversial, his business acumen and deal-making skills may serve him well in this role. The Senate confirmation process will be closely watched, and if confirmed, Kushner will play a key role in shaping US-France relations.
Quote
"Charles Kushner is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, and dealmaker," said Trump in a statement. "I have no doubt that he will effectively represent U.S. interests and strengthen America's longstanding partnership with France."
