Trump Taps Pardoned Developer Charles Kushner as Potential U.S. Ambassador to France

In a surprising announcement, President-elect Donald Trump revealed plans to nominate Charles Kushner, a real estate developer and father of Jared Kushner, as the next U.S. ambassador to France. The announcement, made via Trump’s Truth Social account, praised Kushner as a “tremendous business leader, philanthropist, and dealmaker.”

Who is Charles Kushner?

Charles Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a prominent real estate firm. He is also the father of Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former senior White House adviser, who is married to Ivanka Trump. Charles Kushner’s potential ambassadorship, however, is drawing significant attention due to his controversial past.

A Controversial Past: Tax Evasion and Witness Tampering

In December 2020, Trump granted Charles Kushner a presidential pardon. This followed Kushner’s 2005 guilty plea to 18 counts, including tax evasion, illegal campaign donations, and witness tampering.

The most notorious aspect of Kushner’s legal troubles involved a shocking scheme aimed at his brother-in-law, who was cooperating with federal investigators. Prosecutors alleged that Kushner hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, arranged for the encounter to be recorded in a motel room, and sent the footage to his own sister in an attempt to intimidate the witness.

Kushner was sentenced to two years in prison, a term considered the maximum under his plea deal. At the time, Chris Christie, then U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, called Kushner’s actions “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes” he prosecuted. Christie, who later served as New Jersey governor and ran for president, has long suggested that Jared Kushner was behind his removal from Trump’s transition team in 2016.

Trump’s Ties to the Kushner Family

Trump’s relationship with the Kushner family predates his presidency. Trump and Charles Kushner were acquainted through their work in real estate, and their families became further intertwined when Jared and Ivanka married in 2009. Jared Kushner played a key role in Trump’s administration, acting as a senior adviser on issues ranging from Middle East peace initiatives to criminal justice reform.

A Polarizing Choice for Ambassador

The nomination of Charles Kushner as ambassador to France is already raising eyebrows. While Trump lauds Kushner’s business acumen, critics point to his criminal past as a potential liability. Ambassadorships, particularly to key allies like France, often involve a mix of diplomacy and political strategy, making Kushner’s controversial history a point of concern for many.

Conclusion

Trump’s decision to nominate Charles Kushner as U.S. ambassador to France underscores the former president’s loyalty to close allies and family connections. However, the move is likely to fuel further debate over the qualifications and ethical implications surrounding high-level diplomatic appointments. Stay tuned to 360Bulletin for more updates on this evolving story.