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resident-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Charles Kushner, a real estate developer and father of Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Charles Kushner as "a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker." Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a prominent real estate firm.

    Charles Kushner's past is marred by controversy. He was pardoned by Trump in 2020 after pleading guilty to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Prosecutors alleged that he orchestrated a scheme to intimidate his brother-in-law, who was cooperating with federal authorities, by hiring a prostitute and recording the encounter without consent.

    Kushner pleaded guilty to 18 counts, including tax evasion and witness tampering, and was sentenced to two years in prison in 2005. Former US Attorney Chris Christie, who prosecuted Kushner, has criticized his crimes as "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes" he's ever seen. Trump and Charles Kushner have a long history, having met through real estate circles and their children marrying in 2009.