Charles Kushner, the father-in-law of Ivanka Trump and a prominent real estate developer, is set to face Senate confirmation for the U.S. Ambassadorship to France and Monaco. The nomination, which follows a presidential pardon for past legal issues including tax evasion and FEC violations, has sparked significant attention. Kushner, now 71 years old, has a long history of philanthropy and business success, with notable roles in New York and New Jersey. His upcoming Senate hearing on Monday will assess his qualifications and past legal missteps. Despite past controversies, Kushner has been praised by Trump for his business acumen and diplomatic potential. The nomination is part of broader efforts to strengthen American ties with key allies, particularly in Europe.
Charles Kushner, the father-in-law of Ivanka Trump and a former real estate developer, is set to face Senate confirmation for the U.S. Ambassadorship to France and Monaco. The nomination, which follows a presidential pardon for past legal issues including tax, evasion and FEC violations, has sparked significant attention. Kushner, now 71 years old, has a long history of philanthropy and business success, with notable roles in New York and New Jersey. His upcoming Senate hearing on Monday will assess his qualifications and past legal missteps.
Despite past controversies, Kushner has been praised by Trump for his business acumen and diplomatic potential. The nomination is part of broader efforts to strengthen American ties with key allies, particularly in Europe. Kushner, who founded the Kushner Companies in 1985 and has long been a philanthropist, particularly to Jewish causes and institutions like Yeshiva University in Washington Heights, Manhattan, has made significant contributions to causes such as Jewish institutions and healthcare, donating to St. Barnabas Hospital in Essex County, New Jersey, which has a wing bearing his family name.
During his May 1 confirmation hearing, Kushner acknowledged his past legal missteps, claiming they sharpened his judgment and better prepared him for both the ambassadorship and life. ‘I think that my past mistakes actually make me… better in my values to really make me more qualified to do this job,’ he told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Kushner, who just celebrated his 71st birthday, was nominated in November after Trump called him a ‘tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our country & its interests.’ Trump highlighted Kushner’s accolades, including recognition as New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, appointment to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, and roles in the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, as well as on the boards of top institutions such as NYU. ‘Congratulations to Charlie, his wonderful wife Seryl, their 4 children, & 14 grandchildren. His son, Jared, worked closely with me in the White House, in particular on Operation Warp Speed, Criminal Justice Reform, & the Abraham Accords.’ Trump concluded, emphasizing Kushner’s potential to enhance America’s partnership with ‘our oldest ally and one of our greatest.’