US Ambassador Under Fire: Summoned After Criticism of Macron

An open letter in an American newspaper has sent a chill through the diplomatic relations between Paris and Washington.

The US Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, has been called in to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday. The reason is a provocative op-ed in the Wall Street Journal where the ambassador delivers harsh criticism of the French government and its approach to antisemitism.

Kushner – who is Jewish and the father-in-law of Ivanka Trump – accuses France in the letter of not doing enough to protect the country’s Jewish citizens. According to him, the number of antisemitic incidents has risen sharply since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

He describes a France where, in his view, “Jews are assaulted on the streets every day”, and where “synagogues, schools, and shops are vandalized.” He further claims that statements by the French government regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state are indirectly fueling antisemitic actions.

Parisian anger and diplomatic slap on the wrist

The French government has responded promptly and forcefully. In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs “strongly rejects these claims” and calls them “unacceptable.” France insists that the ambassador’s comments are contrary to diplomatic protocol and amount to “interference in French domestic affairs.”

According to French diplomatic sources, Kushner’s remarks are seen as a serious strain on the otherwise strong relationship between the two NATO allies. There is speculation about whether the issue could affect the ambassador’s future in his role.

A reflection of wider tensions

This case is not unique. It reflects a growing trend where the conflict in the Middle East is causing diplomatic tremors far beyond the region. At the same time, it highlights how Western countries are balancing support for Israel with criticism of Israel’s conduct in the conflict and demands for Palestinian self-determination.

For Charles Kushner — a political appointee with close ties to the Trump circle — the consequences of his letter remain unclear. But one thing is certain: when diplomats bypass traditional diplomatic channels, the fallout can be thoroughly diplomatic.

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