Trump Nominates Charles Kushner as Ambassador to France Amid Controversy

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Charles Kushner as the ambassador to France. Charles Kushner is a real-estate developer and the father of Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump. Trump pardoned Charles Kushner in 2020 for a federal conviction.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Charles Kushner as “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker” and stated he would advocate for U.S. interests effectively. This nomination marks the first family member Trump has chosen for a formal position since his re-election.

On the same day, Trump announced additional appointments. He selected Kash Patel, a former aide, to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and nominated Chad Chronister, sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, to head the Drug Enforcement Agency.

All ambassador nominations require Senate approval. It is unclear how Charles Kushner’s past will affect his confirmation. He previously pleaded guilty to tax evasion, campaign finance violations, and witness tampering in 2005 and served two years in prison. Evidence showed he attempted to intimidate a cooperating brother-in-law.

Chris Christie, former governor of New Jersey, prosecuted Kushner’s case and called it one of the worst crimes he had encountered. Jared Kushner served as an advisor during Trump’s first term, during which Trump also pardoned other figures like Paul Manafort and Roger Stone.

In his announcement, Trump highlighted Jared Kushner’s contributions and expressed excitement about working with Charles Kushner to strengthen the U.S. partnership with France.