Senate Confirms Charles Kushner as US Ambassador to France

The real estate mogul and father of Trump’s son-in-law was confirmed in a 51-45 vote.

Charles Kushner arrives for the funeral of Ivana Trump in New York on July 20, 2022. John Minchillo/AP Photo

The Senate on Monday confirmed Charles Kushner, a New Jersey real estate mogul and father of Jared Kushner, as United States ambassador to France.

Kushner, 71, was confirmed by the upper chamber in a 51–45 vote on Monday.

Who Is Charles Kushner?

Kushner runs the New York-based real estate firm Kushner Companies. His son, Jared, is married to President Donald Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka. Jared Kushner served as one of Trump’s senior advisers during his first term in the White House.

Trump first announced his intent to nominate Charles Kushner after winning his second term. The president, in his announcement, praised Kushner as a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, and dealmaker. Kushner would serve as a strong advocate for U.S. interests, Trump said, citing his professional background and achievements.

“Charlie is the Founder & Chairman of Kushner Companies, one of the largest & most successful privately held Real Estate firms in the Nation,” Trump wrote in a Nov. 30, 2024, Truth Social post. “He was recognized as New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, appointed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, & served as a Commissioner, & Chairman of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, as well as on the Boards of our top institutions, including NYU.”

Kushner told senators at his confirmation hearing that he is a child of Holocaust survivors who came to the United States after World War II. His grandmothers and other members of his family were executed by Nazis, according to Kusher.

Presidential Pardon

In 2005, Kushner pleaded guilty to helping file false tax returns, retaliating against a cooperating witness, and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). He served two years in prison, the highest sentence he could receive under a plea deal, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

As chairman of Kushner Companies, he admitted to assisting in claiming over $1 million in partnership charitable contributions as office expenses on tax return filings.

He admitted orchestrating a scheme to retaliate against his sister and her husband for serving as a cooperating witness against him, the DOJ said.

Kushner also admitted to allocating campaign contributions to certain people without their knowledge or consent that contributions were made in their names. He ultimately agreed to pay $508,900 to the commission for violating contribution rules.

Trump granted Kushner a pardon before the end of his first term as president. The White House said at the time that Kushner deserved clemency due to his recent charitable work.

Kushner, at his confirmation hearing, acknowledged his history from 20 years ago and reassured senators that he has learned from his past.

“I made a very, very, very serious mistake and I paid a heavy price for that mistake,” Kushner said during a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee,” adding that his experiences would make him more qualified for the position and a better ambassador.

The Senate Vote

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), who represents Kushner’s home state of New Jersey, was the only Democrat to vote along with Republicans in favor of the nomination.

During Kushner’s comments as part of prepared testimony for his confirmation hearing, he thanked Booker for his “special and close friendship.”

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) was the sole Republican who opposed Kushner’s nomination.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Kushner’s confirmation as ambassador to France comes at a critical time because European allies are “anxious” due to the Trump administration’s foreign policy.

Kushner vowed that, as ambassador, he would focus on building an even stronger relationship with France, saying he appreciates the history between the two nations. He would also encourage France to invest more in its defense capabilities and push the country to lead the European Union in aligning with Trump’s vision of more security commitments from other allies.

From NTD News