Donald Trump Taps New Jersey Real-Estate Developer Charles Kushner as U.S. Ambassador to France

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, President-elect Donald Trump has selected Charles Kushner, father of Trump’s son-in-law and former senior adviser Jared Kushner, as the next U.S. ambassador to France. The decision, announced Saturday, comes just four years after Trump granted Kushner a full pardon for criminal convictions stemming from a high-profile case that shook his career two decades ago.

A Real Estate Mogul with a Complicated Legacy

Charles Kushner, 70, is widely recognized for building a real estate empire in New Jersey. Born and raised in Elizabeth, Kushner founded Kushner Companies in 1985 following the death of his father, Holocaust survivor Joseph Berkowitz. Initially based in Florham Park, the firm became a powerhouse in the real estate sector, with a current portfolio valued at $2.9 billion, according to Forbes.

Kushner’s rise to prominence wasn’t limited to business. He became a significant political donor, supporting Democratic figures like Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and former New Jersey Governor James McGreevey. His political connections earned him a 2001 appointment as chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

However, his career took a dramatic turn in 2004 when a family feud led to a federal investigation.

Conviction and Controversy

The federal case, prosecuted by then-U.S. Attorney Chris Christie, exposed a series of legal and ethical violations. Kushner admitted to 16 counts of filing false tax returns, one count of witness retaliation, and one count of making false statements to the Federal Election Commission.

The charges included a sensational scheme in which Kushner hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law in retaliation for cooperating with investigators. Kushner pleaded guilty and served 14 months in prison as part of a two-year sentence. Christie later described the crime as “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes” he had ever prosecuted.

A Path to Redemption

Despite his legal troubles, Kushner rebounded in both real estate and politics. Kushner Companies continued to thrive, focusing on high-profile projects in New Jersey, such as Pier Village in Long Branch and developments in Jersey City. The company later shifted its focus to residential properties in New Jersey, Miami, and the South, adapting to changing market trends.

Kushner’s political fortunes were revived in 2016, thanks to his son Jared’s pivotal role in Trump’s presidential campaign. Speculation swirled that Jared helped sideline Christie from Trump’s transition team as payback for prosecuting his father. Jared went on to serve as a senior adviser to Trump, solidifying the family’s influence in the administration.

In December 2020, Trump granted Charles Kushner a full pardon, citing his philanthropic contributions to causes like Saint Barnabas Medical Center and United Cerebral Palsy.

Ambassador to France: A Controversial Appointment

Kushner’s nomination as ambassador to France adds another chapter to his remarkable comeback story. While critics may point to his criminal past, supporters highlight his business acumen, philanthropic efforts, and resilience in rebuilding his career.

The appointment underscores Trump’s continued loyalty to those in his inner circle, even as it stirs debate about the qualifications and controversies surrounding his picks for key diplomatic roles.

As Kushner prepares to represent the U.S. in one of its most significant European allies, his story serves as a testament to reinvention—and the enduring complexities of power, privilege, and politics.

 

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