US ambassador to France denied access to government

Deutsche Welle

February 24, 2026

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The U.S. Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, has been denied access to French government officials after failing to attend a summons from the Foreign Ministry following comments made by the Trump administration regarding the killing of a far-right activist in France. France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that Kushner must explain his absence before contact can be resumed. This move highlights tensions between the two nations over perceived interference in France's internal affairs. The incident began when the U.S. Embassy in Paris reposted comments from the Trump administration's counterterrorism bureau, which described the killing of 23-year-old Quentin Deranque as evidence of a growing threat from left-wing extremist violence. These remarks were strongly denounced by Barrot, who summoned Kushner to discuss the matter. The Foreign Minister emphasized that France does not tolerate foreign interference in its domestic politics and rejected any attempts to exploit the incident for political gain. Deranque was killed during clashes between radical-left and far-right groups at a protest against a left-wing politician in Lyon earlier this year. Seven individuals have been charged with intentional homicide, aggravated violence, and criminal conspiracy in connection with his death. The case has sparked significant public attention, with thousands attending a masked march to honor Deranque. Barrot's decision to restrict Kushner's access reflects France's firm stance on maintaining control over its internal affairs and protecting its national sovereignty. This diplomatic spat underscores the delicate balance of international relations and the potential for tensions to arise when foreign governments appear to meddle in domestic issues. The situation highlights the importance of respectful communication between nations, even when addressing sensitive topics like terrorism and political violence. As both countries navigate this impasse, the outcome will likely influence broader perceptions of diplomatic cooperation and mutual respect in the

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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/24/2026