France has called American ambassador Charles Kushner to Paris after he claimed in a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron that France was insufficient in its measures against antisemitism.
France’s foreign ministry released a statement on Sunday denouncing Kushner’s claims as “unacceptable,” and confirmed that the U.S. diplomat has been asked to appear at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on Monday.
In his letter, Kushner, who is Jewish, accused the French government of encouraging antisemitic incidents by its discussions of recognizing a Palestinian state.
“Statements against Israel and gestures recognizing a Palestinian state empower extremists, incite violence, and threaten Jewish safety in France. In today’s world, anti-Zionism equates to antisemitism—plain and simple,” Kushner wrote.
The U.S. State Department, however, said it backed Kushner and his comments, department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said Sunday evening.
“Ambassador Kushner serves as our U.S. government representative in France and excels in his role by promoting our national interests,” Pigott stated.
While the conflict in Gaza persists, Macron has been a vocal critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, contrasting with President Donald Trump’s firm support of the Israeli leader.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference in Jerusalem on December 9, 2024. (MAYA ALLERUZZO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Kushner, a real estate developer, is the father of Jared Kushner, who is married to Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump.
At the end of his first presidential term, Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, who pleaded guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations.
