President-elect Donald Trump announced Saturday that he has chosen Charles Kushner as his pick for ambassador to France.
Mr. Kushner is a real estate developer and the father of Jared Kushner, the husband of his daughter Ivanka Trump. Trump pardoned Kushner during his first term, expunging the federal conviction in 2020.
In a post on the social media site Truth Social, Trump said Kushner is “an excellent business leader, philanthropist and negotiator who will be a strong advocate on behalf of our Country.” us and the interests of the country”.
The nomination appears to be the first administration position Trump has officially offered to a relative since being re-elected.
Also on Saturday, Trump announced two more options — chose former aide, Kash Patel, to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation, an agency that Patel often criticized.
And separately, Chad Chronister, the sheriff of Florida’s Hillsborough County, was nominated to head the Drug Enforcement Agency.
In addition to many other presidential choices, ambassadorial appointments must be approved by a majority vote in the United States Senate.
It is unclear what role Mr. Kushner’s background may play in the confirmation hearing.
The elder Kushner pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion, campaign finance crimes and witness tampering and was sentenced to two years in prison in 2005.
Among the evidence presented in court, prosecutors said Mr. Kushner targeted his brother-in-law who was cooperating with authorities against him. He hired a prostitute to seduce the man, with the intention of intimidating him by sending the video to his wife – Mr. Kushner’s sister.
Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, who ran against Trump in the latest Republican primaries, prosecuted the case at the time and called it “one of the most heinous crimes, most disgusting” he had ever witnessed.
Jared Kushner served as an adviser in the first Trump administration, when Trump extended a pardon to Charles Kushner in a series of announcements that also included pardons of former campaign manager Paul Manafort and former adviser Roger Stone.
In his announcement post Saturday, Trump praised Jared Kushner’s work and said he looked forward to working with Charles Kushner.
“Together, we will strengthen America’s partnership with France, our oldest ally and one of our greatest countries!”
