The Senate confirmed on Monday the appointment of Charles Kushner as the new ambassador to France, marking a significant diplomatic role for President Trump’s family amidst his past legal issues.
The nomination passed with a vote of 51-45. Notably, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) supported Kushner’s confirmation, while Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) opposed it.
Kushner, who is Jared Kushner’s father and Ivanka Trump’s father-in-law, will assume this position despite having pleaded guilty to 18 charges two decades ago, including tax evasion and lying to the Federal Election Commission, alongside counts related to witness retaliation.
Chris Christie, the former Republican governor of New Jersey, was the U.S. attorney overseeing the investigation and later described the case as “one of the most disgusting, unpleasant crimes” during his tenure. Kushner ultimately served two years in prison, receiving a pardon from Trump in 2020.
During his confirmation hearing, Kushner acknowledged his past mistakes, stating, “I’m not the perfect person,” and added, “I think my past mistakes actually make my opinion of life better, better value, and really better qualified to do this job.”
In November, Trump referred to Kushner as “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist and deal maker.” This appointment places Kushner in a vital diplomatic position, while Massad Boulos, Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law, serves as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
Additionally, Trump nominated Kimberly Guilfoyle, who dated Donald Trump Jr. until last year, for the ambassador role in Greece.
This vote is part of an ongoing effort to confirm presidential ambassador selections in the Senate, with Kushner becoming the 10th ambassador confirmed in this process.
