Trump-Pardoned Kushner Clinches French Ambassador Role in Dramatic Senate Vote

Paul Riverbank, 5/21/2025 In a narrow 51-45 Senate vote, Charles Kushner, despite his controversial past and presidential pardon, has secured confirmation as U.S. Ambassador to France. This unconventional appointment, marked by rare bipartisan crossovers, raises intriguing questions about diplomatic dynamics during a crucial period in Franco-American relations.

Let's be clear about what just happened: A man who received a presidential pardon from his son-in-law's father-in-law has now secured one of America's most prestigious diplomatic posts. The 51-45 vote tells only part of the story.

What strikes me most isn't just the narrow margin – though that's noteworthy enough. It's the fascinating cross-currents of personal relationships and political calculations at play. Take Senator Cory Booker's support, for instance. The New Jersey Democrat's backing of Kushner, rooted in what both men describe as a "special and close friendship," offers a rare glimpse into how personal bonds can transcend partisan divisions.

But there's more to this appointment than political maneuvering. Kushner's background as the child of Holocaust survivors adds an unexpected dimension to his new role. During his confirmation hearing, he spoke movingly about relatives who perished in Nazi-occupied Europe – a history that resonates deeply given France's own complex relationship with that period.

I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between Kushner's pledge to "bring greater balance to our important economic relationship" with France and the lingering shadows of his past legal troubles. His conviction for tax evasion and witness tampering – crimes that former Governor Chris Christie once described as "loathsome" – earned him two years behind bars and a hefty FEC fine.

The timing of this appointment feels particularly significant. European allies are increasingly anxious about American diplomatic directions, as Senator Jeanne Shaheen pointedly noted. Kushner's success in this role may well depend on his ability to navigate these uncertainties while building on the centuries-old alliance between our nations.

From my perspective, this appointment embodies both the complexities and contradictions of modern American diplomacy. Whether Kushner's personal redemption narrative will translate into effective diplomacy remains to be seen. But one thing's certain – his tenure in Paris will be watched closely by allies and critics alike.

The story of Charles Kushner's confirmation isn't just about one man's journey from conviction to ambassadorship. It's a reflection of our times – where personal connections, political calculations, and the weight of history converge in unexpected ways.

The Senate's recent confirmation of Charles Kushner as U.S. Ambassador to France reads like a story that could only emerge from America's current political landscape. I've covered countless diplomatic appointments over my career, but few match the complexity – or controversy – of this one.Let's be clear about what just happened: A man who received a presidential pardon from his son-in-law's father-in-law has now secured one of America's most prestigious diplomatic posts. The 51-45 vote tells only part of the story.What strikes me most isn't just the narrow margin – though that's noteworthy enough. It's the fascinating cross-currents of personal relationships and political calculations at play. Take Senator Cory Booker's support, for instance. The New Jersey Democrat's backing of Kushner, rooted in what both men describe as a "special and close friendship," offers a rare glimpse into how personal bonds can transcend partisan divisions.But there's more to this appointment than political maneuvering. Kushner's background as the child of Holocaust survivors adds an unexpected dimension to his new role. During his confirmation hearing, he spoke movingly about relatives who perished in Nazi-occupied Europe – a history that resonates deeply given France's own complex relationship with that period.I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast between Kushner's pledge to "bring greater balance to our important economic relationship" with France and the lingering shadows of his past legal troubles. His conviction for tax evasion and witness tampering – crimes that former Governor Chris Christie once described as "loathsome" – earned him two years behind bars and a hefty FEC fine.The timing of this appointment feels particularly significant. European allies are increasingly anxious about American diplomatic directions, as Senator Jeanne Shaheen pointedly noted. Kushner's success in this role may well depend on his ability to navigate these uncertainties while building on the centuries-old alliance between our nations.From my perspective, this appointment embodies both the complexities and contradictions of modern American diplomacy. Whether Kushner's personal redemption narrative will translate into effective diplomacy remains to be seen. But one thing's certain – his tenure in Paris will be watched closely by allies and critics alike.The story of Charles Kushner's confirmation isn't just about one man's journey from conviction to ambassadorship. It's a reflection of our times – where personal connections, political calculations, and the weight of history converge in unexpected ways.