Overview
- The Guardian reports that Trump named Charles Kushner as ambassador to France and Monaco despite past federal convictions and no prior diplomatic experience.
- Other reported picks include Bill White for Belgium, Joseph Popolo Jr. for the Netherlands, Kimberly Guilfoyle for Greece, Andrew Puzder for the European Union, Stacy Feinberg for Luxembourg, and Tilman Fertitta for Italy.
- An EU diplomat says the selections are largely relatives, close friends or major donors and describes the lineup as unusually blatant.
- Former French ambassador Gérard Araud condemns the nominations as showing “total contempt for human dignity, custom, and the law.”
- Coverage notes Trump recently labeled Europe “decaying” with “weak” leaders, as a French foreign ministry source describes Kushner as close to Trump and unlikely to question his remit.