In a move that has sparked significant attention, President-elect Donald Trump has announced the nomination of Charles Kushner, the father of his senior adviser Jared Kushner, to serve as the U.S. ambassador to France. This decision was revealed in a post on Truth Social, where Trump expressed his confidence in Kushner’s ability to represent American interests abroad.

“I am pleased to nominate Charles Kushner, of New Jersey, to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to France,” Trump stated. “He is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests.”

A Controversial Figure

Charles Kushner is not without controversy. In 2005, he was convicted on multiple charges, including falsifying tax returns, witness tampering, and making illegal campaign contributions. These charges stemmed from incidents that painted a troubling picture of his conduct.

Particularly notable was the witness tampering charge, which arose from an event where he allegedly arranged for a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, recording the encounter and later using it as leverage. This shocking act was intended to prevent his sister, the wife of the brother-in-law, from testifying before a grand jury. For his crimes, Kushner served two years in prison.

Trump’s Support Despite Past Convictions

Despite his criminal past, Charles Kushner was granted a presidential pardon by Trump in 2020, 15 years after his conviction. Trump’s support for Kushner continues to raise eyebrows in political circles, particularly considering how Kushner was prosecuted by then-U.S. Attorney General Chris Christie. Christie has described the case as “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was U.S. attorney.” This endorsement from Trump demonstrates his steadfast loyalty to members of his inner circle despite potential controversies.

A Businessman and Philanthropist

In his statement, Trump highlighted the accomplishments of Kushner, emphasizing his success in business as the founder of Kushner Companies. He characterized the firm as “one of the largest & most successful privately held Real Estate firms in the Nation.”

Additionally, Trump noted Kushner’s accolades, mentioning that he was recognized as New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. Kushner has also served in prestigious roles, such as being appointed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council and as a commissioner and chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Moreover, he has held positions on the boards of several prominent institutions, including New York University (NYU).

A Family Affair

Charles Kushner’s involvement in the administration is seen as part of a larger family dynamic. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, played a significant role in various high-profile initiatives during the Trump presidency. He worked closely with Trump on initiatives such as Operation Warp Speed, criminal justice reform, and the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab countries.

“Together, we will strengthen America’s partnership with France, our oldest Ally, & one of our greatest!” concluded Trump’s statement about his father’s nomination.

Reform Efforts Influenced by Experience

Jared Kushner’s passion for criminal justice reform was partly influenced by his father’s experiences in prison. In 2018, he was instrumental in promoting the First Step Act, legislation that aimed to reform federal prisons and improve conditions for inmates. During discussions about the act, Jared emphasized Trump’s commitment to “fight for the forgotten men and women of this country — and that includes those in prison.”

This commitment reflects a broader narrative within the Trump administration, which highlighted criminal justice reform as a key priority. Jared’s dedication to reform has garnered attention, suggesting that the Kushners are not only focused on business but also on rectifying perceived injustices within the legal system.