France bars US ambassador from government access after skipping meeting

France has moved to block U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner from direct access to government ministers after he failed to appear for a scheduled meeting over comments about a slain far-right activist, the French Foreign Ministry said.

Kushner, whose son Jared is married to President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump, cited “personal commitments” and sent a senior embassy official in his place, Caliber.Az reports, citing a European news website.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had summoned Kushner following the U.S. embassy in Paris reposting statements from Washington on the death of Quentin Deranque, 23, who died from head injuries during clashes between radical-left and far-right supporters at a protest in Lyon on Feb. 12.

“In light of this apparent failure to grasp the basic requirements of the ambassadorial mission and the honour of representing one’s country, the minister has requested that he no longer be allowed direct access to members of the French government,” the ministry said in a statement. Kushner will still be permitted to carry out other diplomatic duties and exchanges with officials.

Deranque’s death has heightened political tensions ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election, with thousands marching in tribute in Lyon over the weekend amid heavy security deployments.

The incident marks the latest diplomatic friction between Paris and Washington under Trump, following Kushner’s previous summons over criticism of France’s handling of antisemitism. Washington has not commented on the development.

By Aghakazim Guliyev