Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Unlock White House View Newsletter FREE
Your Guide to What the 2024 US Election Means for Washington and the World
French institutions have reacted with a mixture of resignation and silent contempt for President-elect Donald Trump's appointment as real estate developer, criminal pardon and family relations Charles Kushner as US ambassador to France. .
Kushner was the father of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who held several prominent positions in his early administration. The 70-year-old real estate executive is a major donor to Trump's 2024 campaign.
He also received a presidential pardon at the end of Trump's first term after he was convicted of tax evasion, campaign misappropriation of funds and harassing witnesses he spent time in. Prison. He was released in 2006.
“He is a great business leader, philanthropist and distributor who will be a strong advocate representing our country and our interests.” Soak Wrote on his Truth Social forum on Saturday as he announced his choice for ambassador to be confirmed by the US Senate.
The news was met with skepticism on the other side of the Atlantic. “I recommend reading his resume. 'Sour' as the Americans say. . . Needless to say, he does not know our country. At least he will have the right to run for president. We comfort ourselves as much as we can ”Former French Ambassador to the United States Gérard Araud Wrote On X.
“Does he speak at least French?” A commenter asked. “It is not clear,” Araud replied. Araud later Add“In the madness of Trump's appointment, there is a complete disregard for respect for human traditions and laws.”
François Heisbourg, senior adviser for Europe at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, questioned whether France would refuse to “appoint this depressing character” on X. “Although rare, this type of rejection is part of Diplomatic privileges of a sovereign state. ”
A French banker simply answered with an eye-popping emoji when asked about Kushner's selection.
Appointed U.S. ambassadors, especially those seeking after, such as in Paris, are often political aides or political allies of the US president. Among them is Howard Leach, a billionaire food processor who does not speak French but was appointed by George W Bush as ambassador last year. 2001-05.
In his first term, Trump sent Jamie McCourt, a campaign sponsor with her now-divorced husband, who now owns the LA Dodgers baseball team, to Paris as his envoy. However, the appointment of convicted criminals and family ties is unusual, even by the standards of recent US diplomatic appointments.
Benjamin Franklin was the first U.S. congressman to hold the post. Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe also played roles.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for US-French relations as Trump puts pressure on European allies to significantly increase defense spending. During his campaign, he also cast doubt on US continued support for Ukraine's war effort against Russian aggression, while France was a supporter of Ukraine. Trump has claimed he will end the conflict within a day, without elaborating.
President Emmanuel Macron tried to use charisma and personal ties to smooth relations with Trump during his first term in the White House, but it was often not enough to close the Gulf on issues ranging from NATO roles. To Middle Eastern politics or climate treaties. Macron is also in a weak political position right now, losing the election he called this summer.
