Donald Trump has nominated Charles Kushner, father of his former senior advisor Jared Kushner, for the role of U.S. Ambassador to France. Trump announced the nomination on Truth Social, praising Kushner as a "tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker."

This nomination comes just four years after Kushner received a presidential pardon from Trump. In 2005, he was convicted of tax evasion, witness tampering, and illegal campaign contributions, ultimately serving a two-year prison sentence. The witness tampering charge involved a particularly unsavory incident where Kushner orchestrated a compromising video of his brother-in-law and sent it to his sister to deter her testimony before a grand jury. The case was prosecuted by then-U.S. Attorney Chris Christie, who later described it as one of the most reprehensible crimes he had handled.

Trump's statement highlighted Kushner's business achievements, referring to Kushner Companies as a highly successful real estate firm. He also mentioned Kushner's past roles, including his appointment to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council and his leadership positions at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.

Trump connected the nomination to Jared Kushner's work in the White House, specifically citing his contributions to Operation Warp Speed, criminal justice reform, and the Abraham Accords. He expressed confidence that Charles Kushner would strengthen the U.S.-France alliance.

Jared Kushner's involvement in criminal justice reform, particularly the First Step Act, was reportedly influenced by his father's experience in prison. He championed the legislation, aiming to improve conditions for inmates.