France Restricts US Ambassador Kushner’s Access Amid Diplomatic Dispute
Paris has taken the unusual step of restricting U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner’s access to French government officials following his failure to respond to a summons regarding comments made by the U.S. State Department about the death of a far-right activist in Lyon. The escalating diplomatic row highlights tensions between the two allies.
Summons and No-Show
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot requested that Kushner be barred from direct contact with members of the French government, citing a failure to meet “the basic expectations of the mission of an ambassador.” This action stems from the U.S. Embassy in Paris reposting a statement from the State Department’s Bureau of Counterterrorism, which warned of a rise in “violent radical leftism” and referenced the killing of Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old far-right activist, as evidence of this threat.
This is not the first time Kushner has declined a summons from the French Foreign Ministry. In August, he sent his deputy in his place after facing criticism for an editorial that accused President Emmanuel Macron of insufficient action against antisemitism.
French Concerns and Potential Impact
Barrot stated that the restriction will “naturally affect” Kushner’s ability to carry out his duties as ambassador. He indicated that access could be restored once Kushner provides an explanation for his absence. Barrot also expressed expectations that Kushner would explain recent U.S. Sanctions imposed on French officials, including former European Union Commissioner Thierry Breton.
The French Foreign Ministry has stated that the move was prompted by an “apparent misunderstanding of the basic expectations of the mission of an ambassador.”
Background on the Incident and Kushner
Quentin Deranque died from head injuries sustained during clashes between far-right and hard-left supporters following a protest in Lyon on February 12th. A march in his honor, attended by approximately 3,200 people, took place on Saturday, with authorities investigating reports of Nazi salutes and hateful language.
Charles Kushner, a real estate developer and former attorney, was pardoned by President Donald Trump in 2020 after serving time in prison for tax evasion, witness tampering, and illegal campaign contributions. The case was notably prosecuted by Chris Christie, a former governor of New Jersey and advisor to Trump, who described Kushner’s crimes as “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes” he had prosecuted.
The U.S. Embassy in Paris has not yet responded to requests for comment.