France curtails US Ambassador Kushner's government access after he fails to obey summons
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
France has taken the unprecedented step of restricting US Ambassador Charles Kushner’s direct access to government ministers after he failed to attend a summons following comments by the Trump administration about a fatal incident in the country. The French foreign ministry stated that while Kushner will no longer be able to meet directly with ministers, he can still perform certain diplomatic duties.
The situation arose after Kushner was called to discuss remarks made by US officials regarding the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque, who was killed during clashes between far-right and hard-left groups in Lyon. Despite being summoned, Kushner did not appear at the meeting, sending a senior official from the embassy instead due to personal commitments. France rejected this decision, emphasizing that ambassadors are expected to fulfill their diplomatic obligations.
The French government accused the Trump administration of attempting to exploit the tragedy for political gain. US officials, including Sarah Rogers of the State Department, condemned what they described as “violent radical leftism” in the case. This stance drew criticism from France, which argued that far-right groups are historically more responsible for politically motivated violence in the country.
The incident highlights tensions between the two nations over how external actors should engage with internal conflicts. While France seeks to maintain control over its domestic affairs and prevent foreign interference, the US continues to assert its diplomatic influence. The situation underscores the delicate balance of international relations, where even minor disagreements can escalate into broader diplomatic disputes.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on France 24 on 2/23/2026