President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday his selection of Charles Kushner as ambassador to France, marking a notable appointment in his administration.
Charles Kushner, a real estate developer and the father of Jared Kushner—husband of Ivanka Trump—was pardoned by Trump during his first term, clearing a federal conviction from 2020.
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In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described Kushner as “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, and dealmaker,” adding that he would be “a strong advocate representing our country and its interests.”
This nomination is the first major role offered by Trump to a family member since his re-election, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and the Senate confirmation process.
Charles Kushner’s history includes a 2005 conviction on charges of tax evasion, illegal campaign contributions, and witness tampering, for which he served two years in prison. Among the most notorious allegations was his orchestration of a scheme to intimidate a cooperating witness—his brother-in-law—by hiring a prostitute and sending incriminating video footage to the man’s wife, Kushner’s own sister.
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Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor and federal prosecutor who handled the case, once described it as “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes” he had encountered. Christie’s past criticism of Trump adds an extra layer of intrigue to the dynamics surrounding the nomination.
Trump also unveiled two other high-profile law enforcement appointments on Saturday. He nominated Kash Patel, a former aide and vocal critic of the FBI, to lead the agency, replacing current director Christopher Wray. Patel, a Trump loyalist, has repeatedly called for restructuring the FBI, including purging its leadership ranks.
Additionally, Trump selected Chad Chronister, the sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, as head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
All three nominations will require Senate approval. Charles Kushner’s past conviction is likely to feature prominently in his confirmation hearings, potentially sparking heated debates about his suitability for the role.
Jared Kushner, a senior advisor during Trump’s first administration, was also lauded in Trump’s announcement. Trump emphasized the importance of the Kushner family’s contributions, stating, “Together, we will strengthen America’s partnership with France, our oldest ally and one of our greatest.”
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