WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has confirmed Charles Kushner, a real estate developer and father of Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, to serve as the ambassador to France. This confirmation, which passed with a vote of 51-45, places Kushner in a critical diplomatic role amid strained relations between the United States and its European allies, particularly during a time of tension due to Trump’s trade policies and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Charles Kushner, who is the founder of Kushner Companies, had previously faced legal troubles, having been pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. His conviction stemmed from a revenge scheme involving a hidden camera and a hired prostitute, which was intended to intimidate a cooperating witness in an investigation against him. This incident deeply tarnished his reputation and raised significant ethical concerns.
During his confirmation hearing, Kushner expressed his commitment to strengthening the economic relationship between the United States and France, emphasizing a need for greater balance. He pledged to encourage France to invest more in its defense capabilities and to guide the European Union toward aligning with U.S. security interests. Kushner heralded the historical ties between the two nations, noting his background as a child of Holocaust survivors who immigrated to the U.S. after World War II.
New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the leading Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, acknowledged the critical timing of Kushner’s nomination, highlighting the anxiety among European allies regarding U.S. foreign policy under Trump. She also addressed Kushner's criminal past directly during the hearing, to which he responded that he recognized the seriousness of his past mistakes and the consequences he faced as a result.
Kushner served a two-year prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2005 to 18 counts that included tax evasion and witness tampering. Although this sentence was the maximum he could receive under a plea deal, it still drew sharp criticism from some quarters, including Chris Christie, the former U.S. attorney for New Jersey, who characterized Kushner's actions as among the most heinous crimes he had prosecuted. Additionally, Kushner agreed to pay over $508,000 to the Federal Election Commission for violating campaign finance regulations.
When announcing Kushner's pardon, the Trump administration highlighted his recent engagement in charitable activities and efforts at reform as justification for clemency. The White House's statement at that time suggested that his record of philanthropy overshadowed his previous conviction.
Interestingly, Kushner received support for his confirmation from at least one Democrat, New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, with whom he expressed gratitude for a “special and close friendship” during his testimony. This bipartisan support underscores the complexities of political alliances and the navigation of Kushner's controversial background as he embarks on this new role.
As he prepares to take on the responsibilities of ambassador, Kushner faces the dual challenges of mending transatlantic ties and preparing to address pressing global issues that have escalated under recent U.S. administrations. His appointment signals both a continuance of the Trump administration's influence and the ongoing debates surrounding meritocracy in political appointments.
