The U.S. Senate voted Monday to confirm Charles Kushner as the next ambassador to France and Monaco, advancing a key diplomatic appointment despite the nominee’s previous federal conviction. The chamber approved the nomination by a 51–45 margin, with Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) voting in favor and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) breaking ranks to oppose.
Kushner, a prominent real estate developer and father of former White House adviser Jared Kushner, pleaded guilty in 2004 to multiple federal charges, including tax evasion, making false statements to the Federal Election Commission, and witness retaliation. He served a two-year prison sentence and was granted a presidential pardon by Donald Trump in 2020.
The appointment places a member of the former president’s extended family in one of the most prestigious diplomatic posts, traditionally reserved for seasoned political allies or major donors. The Senate’s approval underscores a continued push to finalize key ambassadorial appointments under the Trump administration.
During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Kushner addressed his criminal record directly. “I do not present myself as perfect,” he said. “I made grave errors in judgment and paid a significant price. I believe those experiences have given me a deeper sense of integrity and perspective that will serve me well in this role.”
When nominating Kushner in November, President Trump praised him as a “remarkable business leader and philanthropist,” underscoring his role as a trusted associate within the Trump orbit.
The confirmation also reflects a broader trend within the administration of appointing individuals with close personal or familial ties to the Trump family. Massad Boulos, father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, currently serves as a senior adviser on Middle Eastern affairs, while Kimberly Guilfoyle—who was previously in a relationship with Donald Trump Jr.—has been nominated to serve as ambassador to Greece.
Kushner becomes the 10th ambassador confirmed by the Senate in recent months, as lawmakers move to fill high-profile diplomatic vacancies.
