France to summon U.S. ambassador Charles Kushner over no-show and controversial comments

France has summoned U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner to explain his absence from a recent official summons and his controversial comments regarding the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque, according to TIME and France 24. Kushner did not attend the meeting requested by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, prompting France to revoke his access to government officials and ban him from meetings with French ministers.

The diplomatic tensions stem from Kushner’s remarks made on social media, which the French government viewed as interference in domestic affairs, France 24 reports. Following the no-show, Kushner assured Barrot that the United States would not interfere in France’s internal matters, as confirmed by multiple sources including France 24 and a diplomatic source cited by the network.

Kushner’s background as a former felon and supporter of Donald Trump has also drawn attention during the dispute, with France 24 detailing his journey from imprisonment to his current diplomatic role. The ambassador’s recent failure to respond to the French foreign ministry’s communications has escalated the dispute, leading to official restrictions on his engagement with French government officials.

The French government has indicated that Kushner must provide a satisfactory explanation for his absence before his access to officials and meetings with ministers will be restored, France 24 states. The incident highlights growing friction within the traditionally strong Franco-American relationship and tensions over comments perceived as political interference.

Observers will be watching for Kushner’s response to the summons and whether diplomatic channels can resolve the dispute without further damaging bilateral ties. The French government’s next moves could influence U.S.-France cooperation on broader regional and international issues.