President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has nominated Charles Kushner for the position of U.S. Ambassador to France.
Kushner is the father of Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, the daughter of the president-elect, reported Bloomberg.
During Donald Trump’s first term in office, Jared held the position of senior adviser, playing a significant role in various policy initiatives and the administration’s overall strategy.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his satisfaction with the selection, stating, “I am pleased to nominate Charles Kushner, of New Jersey, to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to France.”
“Charlie is the Founder & Chairman of Kushner Companies, one of the largest & most successful privately held Real Estate firms in the Nation. He was recognized as New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, appointed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, & served as a Commissioner, & Chairman, of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, as well as on the Boards of our top institutions, including NYU,” added Trump.
Kushner was prosecuted in the early 2000s by Chris Christie, who was then the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, facing charges of tax evasion, witness tampering, and illegal campaign contributions, reported CNN.
He eventually entered a guilty plea for 16 counts of tax evasion, one count of retaliating against a federal witness—his brother-in-law—and an additional count of providing false information to the Federal Election Commission. After serving his prison sentence for these convictions, Kushner received a pardon from Trump in 2020, per CNN.
Kushner’s family ties to the Trump dynasty and his influence in the White House have made him a prominent figure in American politics.
Trump praised Kushner in his post on Truth Social, calling him “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests.”
“Together, we will strengthen America’s partnership with France, our oldest Ally, & one of our greatest!” added Trump.