US Ambassador Kushner pledges not to 'interfere' in French affairs, diplomatic source says
France 24 Europe
by FRANCE 24February 24, 2026
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US Ambassador Charles Kushner reached out to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot following a diplomatic standoff over comments regarding the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque. Kushner assured Barrot that he would not interfere in France's internal affairs, emphasizing mutual friendship between the two nations. This comes after Kushner failed to attend a summons related to US criticism of left-wing violence in France, which led France to block him from accessing government ministers.
The diplomatic row erupted when Kushner ignored a formal invitation to explain his absence following remarks by US officials labeling "terrorism" and left-wing violence in France. Barrot stressed that France would not tolerate foreign interference in its national debate, particularly during times of tragedy like Deranque's death. The incident highlights the importance of mutual respect and non-interference in diplomatic relations, especially between NATO allies.
Kushner, a real estate developer with a criminal past pardoned by former President Trump, is known for his lack of diplomatic experience. His repeated absences from meetings have raised eyebrows among US diplomats, who view timely attendance as a fundamental rule of international engagement. Barrot emphasized that while the issue would not harm overall Franco-US relations, it underscores France's firm stance against foreign meddling in its domestic affairs.
The situation gained attention due to Kushner's ties to Trump's family, with his son Jared married to Ivanka Trump. Despite this, both France and the US have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties, though incidents like these could create challenges for diplomats trying to navigate sensitive political landscapes.
This diplomatic spat highlights broader tensions over foreign interference in domestic affairs, a topic that has gained significant attention globally. As nations grapple with balancing international relations and internal sovereignty, such incidents serve as reminders of the delicate nature of diplomacy and the need for mutual respect among allies.
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Originally published on France 24 Europe on 2/24/2026