English
The Charles Kushner France dispute escalated Monday after French authorities summoned the U.S. ambassador over his criticism of Paris. Kushner accused France of failing to combat antisemitism, prompting a swift rebuke from the French Foreign Ministry.
Letter to Macron fuels controversy
Kushner, father of Jared Kushner, sent a stern letter to President Emmanuel Macron. He accused France of ignoring antisemitism and emboldening extremists by moving toward recognition of a Palestinian state. He urged Macron to enforce hate-crime laws, protect Jewish institutions, and cut ties with Hamas allies.
French officials dismissed the claims as interference in domestic affairs. “These allegations are unacceptable,” the ministry said, stressing that foreign envoys cannot dictate France’s internal policies.
Macron defends recognition of Palestine
The dispute follows Macron’s announcement that France will recognize a Palestinian state. The decision drew sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who linked it to rising antisemitism. Macron rejected the accusation, noting France’s 500,000-strong Jewish community remains a priority for national security.
Washington backs Kushner’s remarks
The State Department supported Kushner’s comments Sunday evening. However, the White House declined to comment. The Charles Kushner France dispute now adds strain to already fragile U.S.-France ties, which have faced tensions over trade, Lebanon peacekeepers, and approaches to the Ukraine war.
Kushner’s appointment and past controversies
The Senate confirmed Kushner as ambassador to France in May after Trump’s nomination. He described himself as a child of Holocaust survivors and pledged to strengthen bilateral relations. Yet his past casts a shadow. In 2005, he served two years in prison for tax evasion and witness tampering. Trump later pardoned him in 2020.
Prosecutors revealed Kushner had orchestrated a blackmail scheme against his brother-in-law. Former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie, who prosecuted the case, called it one of the most “loathsome” crimes he handled.
Family ties to Trump and Jared Kushner
Kushner founded Kushner Companies, a real estate empire. His son Jared, married to Ivanka Trump, served as a senior adviser in Trump’s White House and helped push criminal justice reform. Jared often cited his father’s prison sentence as inspiration for that effort.
A test for U.S.-France relations
This latest diplomatic row highlights growing cracks in transatlantic relations. As Macron defends his Middle East policies, Washington must balance Kushner’s outspoken stance with broader foreign policy interests.
