US President-elect Donald Trump nominated Charles Kushner as the country’s ambassador to France. 

The announcement, made on Truth Social, highlighted Mr Kushner’s extensive business experience and contributions to public service.  

Describing him as a “tremendous business leader, philanthropist, and dealmaker,” Mr Trump praised Mr Kushner’s ability to advocate for the United States and its interests abroad. 

He further commended Mr Kushner’s achievements, including founding Kushner companies, a prominent real estate firm, and receiving the New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year award from Ernst & Young.  

Mr Kushner’s past public service includes appointments to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he served as both commissioner and chairman. 

He has also been involved in leadership roles on the boards of institutions such as New York University.  

Mr Kushner, 70, is a prominent real estate developer based in New Jersey. 

He founded Kushner Companies in 1985, which has since grown into one of the largest privately held real estate firms in the United States, with significant holdings in New York, New Jersey, and beyond.  

However, Mr Kushner’s career has not been without controversies.  

In 2005, he pleaded guilty to tax evasion, witness tampering, and making illegal campaign donations, serving 14 months in prison. 

Despite these setbacks, Mr Kushner resumed business activities and philanthropy upon his release, supporting educational, cultural, and religious institutions. 

In 2020, Mr Trump issued a full pardon for him, describing him as a man who had “overcome adversity and given a second chance.”  

Mr Trump congratulated Mr Kushner and his family, mentioning his son, Jared Kushner, who served as a senior adviser during Mr Trump’s presidency. Jared played a key role in initiatives such as Operation Warp Speed, criminal justice reform, and the Abraham Accords.  

If confirmed, Mr Kushner’s appointment would mark a new chapter in his career, positioning him as a key figure in strengthening diplomatic ties between the U.S. and France.