The US Senate confirmed Charles Kushner as the next American ambassador to France on May 20, 2025, despite his previous felony convictions.
Kushner, the father of Jared Kushner, former senior adviser and son-in-law to President Donald Trump, was confirmed by a 51-45 vote.
Kushner pleaded guilty in 2005 to 18 counts, including tax evasion, making false statements to the Federal Election Commission, and witness retaliation. He served two years in prison for these crimes, which were later erased through a presidential pardon in 2020.
At his confirmation hearing, Kushner acknowledged his past mistakes, stating, “I made a very, very, very serious mistake, and I paid a very heavy price for that mistake.” Despite this, critics voiced concern over the appointment, citing Kushner’s criminal history. Senator Patty Murray expressed her opposition, saying, “Of course, I voted NO.”
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who prosecuted the case, previously described Kushner’s crimes as “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes” of his tenure. Nevertheless, President Trump nominated Kushner following his 2024 re-election, calling him a “tremendous business leader, philanthropist and dealmaker.”
Kushner’s appointment as ambassador to France also includes serving as ambassador to Monaco. This decision marks the latest in a series of appointments of family members and allies to key roles by the Trump administration.
Other notable appointments include Massad Boulos, Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law, as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs, and Kimberly Guilfoyle, formerly linked to Donald Trump Jr., as ambassador to Greece.