WASHINGTON, May 20, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The US Senate on Monday approved the nomination of Charles Kushner, the father of President Donald Trump's son-in-law, as the next US ambassador to France.

The vote was 51 to 45.

Kushner, a real estate executive and former attorney who spent time in federal prison after pleading guilty in 2004 to tax evasion, among other crimes, was pardoned by Trump in 2020 near the end of his first term.

Kushner's son Jared Kushner, who married Trump's eldest daughter Ivanka in 2009, also served as the president's advisor during his first term, notably on conflict in the Middle East.

The elder Kushner, 71, heads to Paris at an interesting time in US-France relations, as the historic allies -- and Europe in general -- are strained by the US president's trade policies.
 
Kushner "is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests," Trump said on his Truth Social website when announcing his nomination of Kushner for the post.

In addition to his role in Paris, Kushner will serve as US ambassador to Monaco.