The French government recently confirmed its decision to restrict the access of U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner to its high-ranking officials. The decision was made after Mr. Kushner failed to attend a summoned meeting intended to clarify statements from the U.S. administration regarding France's internal political situation.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on France Info radio that Ambassador Kushner's absence from explaining Washington's comments would directly impact his ability to carry out his duties in Paris. He emphasized that access to government officials would only be restored once the U.S. side provides full and satisfactory explanations.
Causes of Diplomatic Tensions
The incident originated from a social media post by the U.S. State Department warning of a rise in "extreme left-wing violence" related to the death of a right-wing activist in Lyon. This message was subsequently reposted in French by the U.S. Embassy in Paris, leading to a strong reaction from President Emmanuel Macron's administration.
The French side considers Washington's comments an act of interference in the country's internal political debate. A French official told the press that Paris cannot accept any form of manipulation or interference from a third country in its domestic public affairs, especially during a sensitive pre-election period.
Background and Profile of Ambassador Charles Kushner
Charles Kushner, 71, a real estate businessman and father-in-law of Ivanka Trump, was appointed U.S. Ambassador to France by President Donald Trump after his 2024 victory. Despite having no prior diplomatic experience, he began his term at a time when relations between the two allied nations faced numerous political challenges.
According to a statement from the U.S. Embassy, Kushner and the French Foreign Minister held a phone call described as "frank and friendly" to reaffirm their commitment to cooperation. However, there is no official information yet on whether his access to French government officials has been fully restored following this call.
Meanwhile, the political situation in the U.S. is also garnering significant attention as members of the Kushner family are expected to appear in Washington for upcoming key events. The incident in France is seen as a test of Ambassador Kushner's ability to handle diplomatic crises in his new role.
