PARIS — In a major escalation of diplomatic tensions, the French government has officially barred U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner from direct access to its ministers. The move, announced Monday, February 23, 2026, follows Kushner’s failure to appear for a formal summons issued by the French Foreign Ministry.
The diplomatic rift began after the U.S. State Department and official social media accounts commented on the death of Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old far-right activist who died from brain injuries following a physical altercation last week. The Trump administration attributed the killing to “violent radical leftism,” a characterization that French officials have vehemently rejected as an attempt to “instrumentalize” a domestic tragedy for political purposes.
Ambassador Fails to Attend Formal Summons
French Foreign Affairs officials summoned Kushner to protest the administration’s rhetoric, but the ambassador did not show up for the scheduled meeting. In response, France’s top diplomat requested an immediate restriction on Kushner’s government access. Under the new directive, Kushner is prohibited from meeting directly with French cabinet members, a move that severely hampers his ability to conduct traditional diplomatic business in Paris.
“The French government rejects any attempt to use this tragic event for external political agendas,” a spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry stated. This incident follows a pattern of friction between Kushner and the administration of President Emmanuel Macron; last summer, Kushner drew criticism for publicly attacking the French government’s handling of domestic antisemitism.
From Real Estate Mogul to Diplomat
Charles Kushner, 71, is a prominent American real estate developer and the founder of Kushner Companies. He is also the father of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Donald Trump. His appointment as U.S. Ambassador to France in 2025 was met with significant scrutiny due to his past legal history.
In 2005, Kushner was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion, witness tampering, and making illegal campaign contributions. He was later disbarred as an attorney. However, he received a full presidential pardon from Donald Trump in December 2020, clearing the path for his eventual return to public life and his diplomatic confirmation.
Impact on U.S.-France Relations
The current standoff marks one of the lowest points in U.S.-France relations in recent years. Analysts suggest that barring an ambassador from ministerial access is an extraordinary measure among NATO allies. While Kushner remains the official envoy, his lack of access to the upper echelons of the French government may force the State Department to rely on lower-level career diplomats to maintain essential communication channels.
As of Monday evening, the U.S. Embassy in Paris has not issued a formal statement regarding Kushner’s absence from the summons or the subsequent restrictions placed upon him by the French Republic.