President Donald Trump's former son-in-law's father faces a new chapter in his controversial career as he steps into a diplomatic role.
According to the Washington Examiner, the Senate confirmed Charles Kushner as the new U.S. ambassador to France on Monday with a vote of 51-45, marking another milestone in Trump's accelerated diplomatic appointments.
Kushner's confirmation comes despite his troubled past, which includes a federal conviction and subsequent presidential pardon. The 71-year-old businessman received Trump's clemency during his first term for tax evasion and campaign finance violations dating back to 2005.
Past Crimes and Political Connections
The newly confirmed ambassador's criminal history involves more than financial misconduct. In a particularly notorious incident, Kushner orchestrated a revenge plot against his brother-in-law, William Schulder, who had agreed to cooperate with federal investigators.
Kushner hired a sex worker to seduce Schulder in a motel room while secretly recording their encounter. He then mailed the footage to Schulder's wife, who was Kushner's own sister. The scheme ultimately failed when the hired woman exposed Kushner's involvement.
Former New Jersey U.S. Attorney Chris Christie, who prosecuted the case, described it as "one of the most repugnant and vile offenses" in his career. Kushner served two years in prison before receiving Trump's pardon in 2020.
Senate Confirmation Process
The confirmation process revealed deep partisan divisions. Democratic senators boycotted the Senate Foreign Relations Committee vote, protesting alleged Republican violations of minority briefing protocols.
Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey emerged as the sole Democratic supporter, while Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski was the only GOP member to vote against the nomination. Booker's support raised eyebrows due to his past connection to Kushner, who had contributed to his early political campaigns.
During his confirmation hearing, Kushner addressed his past transgressions when questioned by Senator Jeanne Shaheen. "I don't sit here before you today and tell you I'm a perfect person," he acknowledged, arguing that his past mistakes have improved his judgment and values.
Trump Administration's Diplomatic Push
The appointment represents the Trump administration's tenth confirmed ambassador this term, significantly outpacing former President Joe Biden's single confirmation at the same point in his presidency.
Trump nominated Kushner in November, praising him as a "tremendous business leader, philanthropist, and dealmaker." The president highlighted Kushner's achievements, including his recognition as New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young and his service on various institutional boards.
The Senate's decision faced criticism from ethics watchdogs and opposition lawmakers who questioned the appropriateness of appointing someone with a criminal record to represent U.S. interests abroad.
From Criminal Past to Diplomatic Future
Charles Kushner, father of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, secured Senate confirmation as U.S. ambassador to France despite his controversial history of tax evasion, witness tampering, and illegal campaign contributions.
The confirmation demonstrates the Trump administration's ability to advance diplomatic appointments through a divided Senate, with Kushner's business achievements and claims of rehabilitation apparently outweighing concerns about his criminal past.
The new ambassador will now represent American interests in France, marking a remarkable transformation from convicted felon to the chief diplomatic representative in one of America's oldest allied nations.