2024-12-01 03:42:00
Before Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, appointments continue in the United States. The president-elect announced Saturday that he was choosing charles Kushner, father of his son-in-law and former adviser Jared Kushner, to be U.S. ambassador to France.
This is a new appointment, atypical for a man who has had problems with the law.This real estate magnate will be sent to Paris to “strengthen the partnership between the United States and France, our oldest ally and one of our strongest”, explained Donald Trump on his truth Social network.
Pardoned by Donald Trump
Charles Kushner spent a year in federal prison for tax embezzlement and was pardoned by Donald Trump near the end of his first term in the White House.
His son Jared Kushner is the husband of Ivanka Trump, the president’s eldest daughter, and was an advisor to Donald Trump, especially on the Middle East, during his first exercise of power.
At the origin of sordid acts
Charles Kushner, now 70, once passed the reins to his son to run the family real estate empire, Kushner Companies. Because he had to serve a prison sentence after pleading guilty in 2004 to tax fraud,witness tampering and illegal campaign contributions.
The businessman notably admitted to sordid acts in the context of this affair: he had hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, who was cooperating with an investigation into campaign finance. Charles Kushner had filmed the meeting between them with his sister, this man’s wife, to dissuade her from testifying against him.
our dossier on the United States
The president-elect on Saturday described Charles Kushner as a ”brilliant business leader,” a “philanthropist” and a “good negotiator,” without ever mentioning his legal snags.
As his election against Kamala Harris on November 5, Donald Trump has made a series of sensational appointments within his management, surrounding himself with loyalists with frequently enough controversial profiles.
– How could Charles Kushner’s controversial past impact his role as U.S. Ambassador to France?
Interview: The Implications of Charles Kushner’s Appointment as U.S. Ambassador to France
Time.news Editor: Today, we are joined by Dr. Emily Harris, a political analyst and expert in international relations, to discuss the recent appointment of Charles Kushner as the U.S. Ambassador to France. Dr. Harris, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Emily Harris: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to delve into this critically important topic.
Editor: To start, Charles Kushner is a controversial figure, especially considering his past legal troubles.How do you view the implications of his appointment on U.S.-France relations?
Harris: Kushner’s appointment is certainly atypical, especially given his history of legal issues, including a federal prison sentence for tax embezzlement and witness tampering. Although Donald Trump has labeled him a “brilliant business leader” and a “philanthropist,” many in the diplomatic community are concerned that his past could hinder his effectiveness as an ambassador. The U.S. seeks to strengthen its relationship with France, but appointing someone with Kushner’s background may complicate diplomatic efforts.
Editor: It seems that the appointment aligns with Trump’s strategy of favoring loyalists.How might this affect the political landscape, both domestically and internationally?
harris: Absolutely. Trump’s trend of surrounding himself with loyalists, nonetheless of their controversial profiles, suggests a focus on personal allegiance over diplomatic experience. domestically, this could lead to increased polarization, as critics may question the professionalism of such appointments. Internationally, it may send mixed signals to U.S. allies. France, being one of America’s oldest allies, might react cautiously, weighing Kushner’s business acumen against his dubious past.
Editor: Kushner’s appointment could also be seen as a signal for future U.S. policy directions, particularly in Europe. What insights can you share about this?
Harris: Kushner’s selection may indicate an intention to apply business-like strategies to diplomacy,which could resonate in negotiations and partnerships. Though, the concern is whether he possesses the necessary diplomatic finesse to handle sensitive issues akin to his familial connections to the Trump management. This is crucial given the recent history of transatlantic relations, particularly with topics like security, trade, and climate change. The effectiveness of his appointment will hinge on his ability to navigate these complexities while building trust.
Editor: given kushner’s past regarding campaign finance violations, do you think this will have an impact on his effectiveness as an ambassador and on U.S. public opinion?
Harris: Public opinion could certainly be influenced by his past. Many may view his selection through a lens of skepticism, especially those who are concerned about ethics in government. For Kushner to be effective, he will need to demonstrate that he can compartmentalize his past and focus on fostering good relations between the U.S. and France, all while addressing public concerns about transparency and integrity.
Editor: what practical advice would you give to readers interested in understanding the broader implications of such appointments?
Harris: Stay informed about the developments that follow this appointment, particularly in the context of U.S.-europe relations. Analyzing Kushner’s actions and decisions can provide insights into the current administration’s foreign policy. It’s also important to engage in discussions about the ethical dimensions of these appointments and how they reflect on the integrity of governance.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Harris, for your valuable insights on this complex issue. Your perspective aids our understanding of the potential impact of Charles Kushner’s role as ambassador.
Harris: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure discussing this critical topic.