Overview

• Charles Kushner, father of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump's father-in-law, was confirmed as U.S. ambassador to France by a 51-45 Senate vote.
• Kushner, who pled guilty in 2005 to tax evasion, illegal campaign contributions, and witness tampering, served two years in prison before being pardoned by Donald Trump in 2020.
• Senator Cory Booker, a Democrat from Kushner's home state of New Jersey, was the only Democrat to vote in favor, while Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski opposed the nomination.
• At his confirmation hearing, Kushner argued his past mistakes made him better qualified for the role, pledging to strengthen U.S.–France relations in trade, security, and defense.
• The appointment has drawn scrutiny as an example of political patronage, with critics questioning his qualifications and the implications for U.S.–French diplomatic ties.