US ambassador Kushner must explain no show to regain government access, says French FM
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, has been called to explain his absence after failing to attend a summons by the French government. This move was prompted following the US Embassy's repost of comments from Washington about the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque. The French foreign minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, emphasized that Kushner’s failure to comply with diplomatic protocol has raised concerns and will impact his ability to engage with French officials until an explanation is provided.
The spat began after the US embassy in Paris shared tweets from the Trump administration regarding Deranque's death, which occurred during clashes between far-left and far-right groups at a protest in Lyon. The French government deemed the reposting of these comments as an inappropriate interference in France’s internal affairs. Barrot stressed that such actions are unacceptable and must be discussed with Kushner to avoid further tensions.
Kushner’s absence has been described as a “surprise” by Barrot, who noted it breaches diplomatic norms. The minister suggested that Kushner’s credibility and access to French government officials will remain restricted until he provides satisfactory explanations. This development highlights the growing friction between the US and France over issues of political interference and diplomatic decorum.
The situation underscores broader tensions between the two nations, particularly regarding how foreign governments engage in domestic political debates. Barrot emphasized that France does not tolerate external meddling in its internal affairs, signaling a potential chill in bilateral relations if the issue is not resolved amicably. The US Embassy has yet to respond to queries from media outlets about the incident.
This diplomatic spat matters as it reflects deeper divisions over free speech and national sovereignty in international relations. It also raises questions about how foreign envoys should engage with host nations’ political dynamics, setting a precedent that could influence future interactions between governments.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/24/2026