A diplomatic row has broken out between France and the United States after U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner accused French President Emmanuel Macron of failing to do enough to fight antisemitism. In an article published in The Wall Street Journal, Kushner argued that France’s criticism of Israel and openness to recognizing a Palestinian state were dangerous because they encouraged extremists and put Jewish communities in France at greater risk.
The French Foreign Ministry reacted immediately, summoning Kushner for a formal reprimand. Officials called his remarks unacceptable and said they amounted to interference in French domestic affairs. They insisted that France is fully committed to combating antisemitism and accused Kushner of damaging the quality of the transatlantic partnership.
The U.S. State Department defended Kushner, praising his work and saying he was advancing American interests. Kushner, who became ambassador in May, is the father of Jared Kushner, former senior adviser to Donald Trump. He has long been a controversial figure and was pardoned by Trump after serving time for federal crimes.
This dispute adds to growing tensions between Washington and Paris. The two countries have clashed over policy in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and peacekeeping operations in Lebanon. The confrontation over Kushner’s remarks highlights how sensitive the issue of antisemitism has become in France, where Jewish communities have faced rising threats in recent years.
