Charles Kushner Confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to France Amid Controversy
The Senate confirms Charles Kushner as U.S. Ambassador to France, addressing past criminal convictions and affirming his dedication to U.S.-French relations.
Overview
The Senate confirmed Charles Kushner as the U.S. Ambassador to France by a 51-45 vote, despite his controversial past involving criminal activity. Kushner was pardoned by Trump in 2020 after serving a prison sentence for tax evasion and witness tampering. During hearings, he emphasized a commitment to strengthening U.S.-France ties and admitted to his past mistakes, stating they have informed his better judgment. The confirmation marks another appointment by Trump amid a record pace of ambassadorial confirmations.
Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.
Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.
Analysis
- Charles Kushner confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to France despite a criminal past, including tax evasion and witness tampering, highlighting partisan divisions in Senate confirmations.
- Confirmation of Kushner, who was pardoned by Trump, raises questions about the standards for ambassadorial appointments and reflects on Trump's influence in current political appointments.
- Kushner's past 'mistakes' are seen by some as having made him more qualified due to his alleged growth and reformed values, as he expresses a commitment to strengthening U.S.-France relations.
Articles (3)
Center (2)
No highlight available for this article.
USA TODAY·1M·No highlight available for this article.
Associated Press·1M·FAQ
The controversy stemmed from Kushner's past criminal convictions, including tax evasion and witness tampering, for which he served a prison sentence and was later pardoned by President Donald Trump in 2020.
Charles Kushner was confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to France by a Senate vote of 51-45.
Yes, Senator Cory Booker, Kushner's home-state senator from New Jersey, was the only Democrat to vote in favor of his nomination.
Kushner emphasized his commitment to strengthening U.S.-France relations and acknowledged his past mistakes, stating they have informed his better judgment.
Kushner is the father of Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, and Trump's administration has shown a pattern of appointing individuals with familial ties to key diplomatic posts.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.