Trump Nominee for Ambassador to France: Charles Kushner, Father of Jared Kushner

In a notable political move, Donald Trump has chosen Charles Kushner, a convicted felon and father of Jared Kushner, for the ambassadorial role, highlighting the intertwining of personal and political affiliations in his administration.

Donald Trump formally nominated Charles Kushner as the next U.S. ambassador to France via a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. The elder Kushner is a known real estate developer and father to Jared Kushner, Trump's former senior advisor and husband to Ivanka Trump. Trump's choice is significant as it marks the first time since his election that he has offered a formal position within his administration to a family member.

Trump emphasized Charles Kushner’s credentials in his announcement, describing him as a “tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker,” and predicting he would effectively advocate for U.S. interests abroad. The nomination awaits Senate approval, casting uncertainty over how Kushner's criminal past may affect his confirmation.

In 2005, Charles Kushner pleaded guilty to multiple federal charges, including tax evasion and witness tampering, which resulted in a two-year prison sentence. Notably, his offense involved orchestrating a scandal to intimidate a brother-in-law cooperating with authorities, a case that was brought to justice by former New Jersey governor Chris Christie. Christie, who challenged Trump in the Republican primary, described his prior actions as “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes” he had encountered.

Jared Kushner served a crucial role in Trump’s previous term, and his father's nomination is seen as a deepening of family ties within the former president's political maneuvers. Trump praised both Jared's contributions and expressed optimism about advancing America's relationship with France, stating, “Together, we will strengthen America’s partnership with France, our oldest Ally, & one of our greatest!"

The political implications of this nomination, alongside the potential backlash regarding Kushner's past, underscore the complexities of personal relations in Trump's approach to governance.