[Donald Trump has selected Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as the next US ambassador to France. Trump described Charles Kushner as a “tremendous business leader, philanthropist, and dealmaker” with deep experience in the real estate industry.
Charles Kushner was pardoned by Trump in 2020 following a 2005 conviction on federal charges for crimes including tax evasion, retaliating against a federal witness, and lying to the Federal Election Commission. He was sentenced to two years in prison. Trump also highlighted the connection to Jared Kushner, who worked with him in the White House on issues such as Operation Warp Speed, Criminal Justice Reform, and the Abraham Accords.
The announcement comes as Jared Kushner has said he does not plan on serving in Trump’s second administration, opting instead to focus on his private equity firm. However, he is still seen as being pivotal to the incoming administration’s Middle East efforts, despite not taking a formal job in the administration.
Charles Kushner’s brother-in-law, William Schulder, was targeted by Kushner in 2005 in an attempt to intimidate him, involving a prostitute and a hidden camera. This led to Kushner’s arrest and conviction.
Trump’s announcement has sparked criticism, with some saying it is a “dramatic example of the ties between Trump’s administration and organized crime figures” and “a blight on his reputation.”
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