Diplomatic Rift: France Limits US Ambassador Kushner’s Access After Skipping Meeting
– France has taken the unusual step of curtailing the access of U.S. Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, to members of the French government. The move comes after Kushner failed to appear at a formal summons from the French Foreign Ministry regarding comments made by the Trump administration concerning a politically sensitive case within France.
According to a statement released by the French Foreign Ministry on Monday, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has requested that Kushner no longer be granted direct access to government ministers. However, the ambassador will be permitted to continue performing certain diplomatic duties.
The dispute stems from comments published by the U.S. Embassy regarding the fatal beating of a far-right activist in France. French officials reportedly view the U.S. Embassy’s intervention as an inappropriate intrusion into a matter of national debate. A diplomatic source, speaking to Reuters, stated that Kushner was “summoned today to the ministry… He did not show up.”
Instead of appearing in person, Kushner sent a senior embassy official in his place, citing “personal commitments,” according to a source who spoke with AFP. This decision further angered French officials, who viewed it as a sign of disrespect.
The French Foreign Ministry stated that Kushner’s actions demonstrated “an apparent failure to grasp the basic requirements of the ambassadorial mission and the honour of representing one’s country.”
While Kushner will no longer have direct access to ministers, he will be allowed to continue with certain “exchanges” with officials and fulfill other diplomatic functions. The extent of these remaining duties remains unclear.
This incident is not the first instance of Kushner drawing scrutiny during his time as ambassador. Reports from August 2025, detailed in The Telegraph, described Kushner as “tearing up the diplomatic rulebook.” The report noted his son, Jared Kushner, is married to Ivanka Trump, daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The situation highlights a growing tension between the two countries, and raises questions about the conduct of diplomatic relations under the current administration. The French government has made it clear it will not allow external interference in its internal affairs, particularly on sensitive political matters.
News of the diplomatic fallout has sparked discussion, with some observers questioning the appropriateness of an ambassador failing to respond to a government summons. The incident is likely to further complicate the relationship between France and the United States, at a time when international cooperation is increasingly vital.
Charles Kushner’s appointment as ambassador was itself met with some controversy, given his past legal troubles. He was a convicted felon and disbarred in three states, as noted in reports circulating on social media platforms like Facebook.
