President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday his intention to nominate Charles Kushner, a prominent real estate developer and the father of Jared Kushner, as the U.S. ambassador to France. The decision marks a notable choice due to Kushner’s background and past legal controversies.
Trump made the announcement through a post on Truth Social, praising Charles Kushner as “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, and dealmaker.” Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm with extensive holdings, and is the father of Jared Kushner, Trump’s former senior adviser and son-in-law.
Charles Kushner’s career has been marked by both significant achievements and legal troubles. In 2005, he pleaded guilty to tax evasion and making illegal campaign contributions, as well as charges of witness tampering. The latter charge involved a scheme to intimidate his brother-in-law, who was cooperating with federal investigators. Kushner served a two-year prison sentence but was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 during his first term.
The nomination has stirred mixed reactions. While Trump lauds Kushner’s expertise in business and philanthropy, some critics, including former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, have pointed to Kushner’s criminal record. Christie, who prosecuted Kushner during his time as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, has described the case as one of the most egregious he handled.
Trump’s close ties with the Kushner family date back to their shared roots in the real estate industry. Jared Kushner’s marriage to Ivanka Trump in 2009 further cemented their association. The ambassadorship, if confirmed, would place Charles Kushner in a prominent diplomatic role, representing U.S. interests in France.
This development underscores Trump’s tendency to rely on trusted allies for key appointments, even in the face of public controversy.
