President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Charles Kushner, a prominent real estate developer and the father of Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, as the next U.S. ambassador to France.
Kushner, founder and chairman of Kushner Companies, has long been recognized as a major player in the real estate sector. Under his leadership, the firm grew into one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate enterprises, managing a portfolio that includes residential, commercial, and retail properties.
In announcing the nomination, Trump also drew attention to Kushner’s philanthropic endeavors and public service record. Over the years, he has served on the boards of several prominent institutions, including New York University, and was appointed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. He also held leadership roles as a commissioner and chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Jared Kushner, Charles Kushner’s eldest son, played a key role in the first Trump administration. Jared Kushner is married to Trump’s daughter, Ivanka.
He served as a senior adviser with a portfolio that included some of the administration’s most ambitious initiatives. His contributions ranged from helping spearhead the rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines under Operation Warp Speed to brokering peace agreements between Israel and Arab nations through the Abraham Accords.
“Congratulations to Charlie, his wonderful wife Seryl, their 4 children, & 14 grandchildren,” Trump wrote. “His son, Jared, worked closely with me in the White House, in particular on Operation Warp Speed, Criminal Justice Reform, & the Abraham Accords. Together, we will strengthen America’s partnership with France, our oldest ally, & one of our greatest!”
France plays a pivotal role in global diplomacy, in particular in Europe, which is now contending with the Russia–Ukraine war. Trump has vowed to end the conflict quickly by leveraging his relationships with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to push the two warring leaders into a peace deal.
France has been a key player in diplomatic efforts regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, using its influence within the European Union and its seat on the U.N. Security Council to push for negotiations and conflict resolution.
