Washington, Dec 11 (UNI) US President-elect Donald Trump defended his choice of Charles Kushner, the father of his son-on-law Jared Kushner, for US ambassador to France, telling French newspaper Paris Match in an interview published on Wednesday.
Trump agreed that the uncommon treatment accorded to Kushner was a gesture of trust, saying Kushner was probably the only family member sent to work in a US embassy. He described the 70-year-old as a very good friend of his and a very successful man, adding that Kushner was excited about the mission.
Trump nominated Kushner, the father-in-law of his daughter Ivanka, as envoy to France in November. Charles’ eldest son Jared served as a senior adviser in the first Trump administration, as did Ivanka, who did not participate in Trump’s 2024 election campaign.
CNN reported, citing anonymous Trump associates, that Jared could play a key role in the new administration’s efforts in the Middle East as an external adviser. Jared was described as having unique connections with the region’s leaders, which he built during Trump’s first term and continued to maintain after his departure from the White House.
Charles Kushner was sentenced to two years in prison for tax evasion in 2005 for writing off donations to Democratic candidates as business expenses. Trump pardoned Kushner for past crimes at the end of his first term.
