Donald Trump’s ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, has been denied the opportunity to meet with French government ministers following his failure to attend a crucial meeting at the foreign ministry. The meeting, which was called by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, was intended to address comments made by the U.S. regarding the recent death of a far-right activist. Kushner, who is also a prominent real estate mogul, cited personal commitments for his absence and sent a junior embassy official instead.
In a statement, the French foreign ministry expressed disappointment in Kushner’s apparent disregard for his ambassadorial duties, leading to the decision to revoke his direct access to French government officials. However, the ministry clarified that he would still be allowed to engage with certain foreign ministry personnel to facilitate diplomatic discussions and address ongoing issues in U.S.-France relations, which have a long history of cooperation dating back 250 years.
This incident marks the second time Kushner has missed a significant meeting since his appointment last year. He previously did not attend another meeting in August, following a public critique of the French government’s response to the rising antisemitism in the country.
The context surrounding Kushner’s diplomatic challenges is rooted in the violent death of 23-year-old Quentin Deranque, who was killed during clashes between far-right and radical left factions in Lyon. The U.S. Department of State has been closely monitoring the situation, labeling “violent radical leftism” a public safety threat. Following the tragedy, six individuals have been charged in connection with Deranque’s murder, while a parliamentary assistant affiliated with the left-wing France Unbowed party has faced charges of complicity.
Moreover, the incident has sparked diplomatic tension between France and Italy, as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described Deranque’s death as a significant blow to all of Europe, leading to sharp criticism from President Emmanuel Macron about foreign commentary on France’s internal issues. Minister Barrot has condemned any political exploitation of the tragedy, emphasizing that it should not serve as a means for international agendas related to violence.
Kushner’s history includes a criminal conviction for tax evasion and witness tampering, which resulted in a 14-month prison term before receiving a pardon from Trump in 2020. He later demonstrated his support for Trump through a substantial financial contribution to his political action committee.
This evolving diplomatic situation reflects the complexities of international relations, particularly as they pertain to sensitive domestic issues. It also underscores the importance of effective communication and engagement between nations to foster longstanding friendships amid challenges.