Donald Trump's ambassador to France and Monaco has had his access to French government officials revoked after failing to commit to the role.
Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed Charles Kushner — the father of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner — would no longer have direct access to French politicians after no-showing a summons order from the government. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs confirmed the ban on Kushner earlier on Monday.
"In light of this apparent failure to grasp the basic requirements of the ambassadorial mission and the honor of representing one's country, [Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot] has requested that he no longer be allowed direct access to members of the French government."
The reason for the ban on Kushner's contact with ministers appears to be the US ambassador's failure to appear for a summons.
A source reported by France24 said, "Following the publication by the US embassy of comments on a tragedy that occurred in France and concerns only our national public debate – which we refuse to allow to be exploited – ambassador Charles Kushner was summoned today to the ministry. He did not show up."
The ministry has made it clear it would welcome Kushner back should he enter into discussions with the government to work through the issues of the current administration.
Their statement reads, "It remains, of course, possible for Ambassador Charles Kushner to carry out his duties and present himself at the Quai d’Orsay, so that we may hold the diplomatic discussions needed to smooth over the irritants that can inevitably arise in a friendship spanning 250 years."
The French ministry's move against Kushner comes after the death of a right-wing activist in Lyon on February 14. Quentin Deranque, 23, died from head injuries following clashes during a demonstration against the left-wing France Unbowed party.
Six men suspected of involvement in Deranque's death have been handed preliminary charges over the incident. Trump condemned the killing with a Truth Social post, suggesting it was an example of "violent radical leftism" in France.
The US embassy in France also confirmed it was monitoring the case, while the US State Department's Bureau of Counterterrorism echoed Trump's "radical leftism" claim.
Barrot challenged the claims made by Trump and the admin, saying on Sunday, "We are going to summon the United States ambassador to France, since the US embassy in France commented on this tragedy ... which concerns the national community."
