Charles Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law’s father, from convict to Paris ambassador
US Senate confirmed Charles Kushner as the United States Ambassador to France on May 19, 2025, with a vote of 51-45.
President Donald Trump nominated Kushner, a real estate developer and father of Jared Kushner, on November 30, 2024, through a Truth Social post.
Kushner’s path to the diplomatic post follows a 2005 felony conviction and a 2020 presidential pardon.
In 2004, Kushner faced federal charges led by then-US Attorney Chris Christie. He pleaded guilty to 18 counts, including illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion, and witness tampering.
The charges stemmed from a family dispute, with Kushner admitting to paying USD 25,000 to hire a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, William Schulder, recording the encounter, and sending the tape to his sister, Esther. In 2005, Kushner received a two-year prison sentence, serving 14 months at Federal Prison Camp, Montgomery, Alabama, and completing his term in a Newark halfway house. He was disbarred in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
In December 2020, Trump, whose daughter Ivanka is married to Kushner’s son Jared, pardoned Kushner. The White House cited his philanthropy, including contributions to Saint Barnabas Medical Center and United Cerebral Palsy. Kushner later donated USD 100,000 to a pro-Trump group in 2015 and USD 1 million to a pro-Trump super PAC in 2023.
Senate confirmation
During his Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Kushner addressed his past conviction, stating it improved his judgment. The Senate vote saw one Democrat, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, support Kushner, while Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski voted against confirmation.
Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty highlighted Kushner’s understanding of U.S.-France relations, including trade and security.
Kushner will serve as ambassador to France and Monaco, replacing Denise Campbell Bauer. He is expected to assume his post in Paris in the coming weeks.
