France limits US ambassadors access to government officials following summons snub

US Ambassador Charles Kushner Sent to Embassy Instead of Meeting French Foreign Minister

French Foreign Ministry Bans US Ambassador from Direct Access to Government Ministers

The French Foreign Ministry has announced that it will no longer allow US Ambassador Charles Kushner direct access to members of the French government, following his failure to attend a meeting at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Paris. The decision comes amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between France and the United States over several disagreements, including trade tariffs, the war in Ukraine, and the role of Europe in countering Russia.

Kushan was summoned by Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot after the US embassy in Paris reposted comments made by the Trump administration about the death of French far-right activist Quentin Deranque. Instead of attending the meeting personally, Kushner sent a senior official from the embassy in his place, citing personal commitments.

This is not the first time that Kushner has refused to attend a summons issued by the French Foreign Ministry. In August 2025, he was also called to the ministry after criticizing French President Emmanuel Macron’s handling of anti-Semitism.

The US embassy in Paris and the US Department of State have yet to comment on the measures imposed on the ambassador. The incident has sparked controversy, with headlines declaring “tensions are running high” between the ministry and the US embassy.

Kushan is a prominent figure in the US diplomatic community, having previously been stripped of his license as a lawyer due to convictions for illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion, and witness tampering. He was later pardoned by former President Donald Trump.

Source: Al Jazeera