US weighs blocking France’s envoy nominee after human rights criticism Exclusive by Reuters

The United States is considering delaying or potentially blocking President Emmanuel Macron’s nominee for France’s next ambassador to Washington following public criticism by France of the U.S. human rights record, four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters in exclusive comments.

While no final decision has been made, two of the sources said the criticism — delivered in a social media post by France’s mission to the United Nations in Geneva — had triggered genuine anger among some senior officials in President Donald Trump’s administration. Two other sources said officials were seeking to de-escalate tensions with France.

"The United States is very disappointed in the irresponsible and disrespectful rhetoric from the French," a State Department official said. "We are responding appropriately to their comments."

A U.S. move to delay or reject Macron’s nominee would be highly unusual and could deepen strains between the allies, which have already clashed in recent months over tariffs and the Iran war.

Macron has submitted the required paperwork to appoint Aurélien Lechevallier — a former Elysee aide who currently serves as chief of staff to Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot — as France’s next ambassador to Washington. France had hoped he would take up the post by September, one source said.

However, the process has encountered obstacles following a post published on X by France’s mission to the United Nations in Geneva.

In the post, published on Saturday, the mission criticised Washington for joining Russia, North Korea and seven other countries in voting against a proposal to extend the mandate of Volker Turk, the U.N. human rights chief, for another four years.

Turk has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and has also called for investigations into deaths in U.S. immigration custody.

"The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore," the French mission wrote. "The world no longer listens to it."

One source said the post had been reviewed and approved through official channels, rejecting suggestions that it was the work of a junior staff member acting independently.

Tensions escalated further on Monday when the U.S. delegation walked out as France addressed a United Nations Security Council meeting on Ukraine, accusing its ally of "disingenuous grandstanding."

A French diplomatic official said France’s support for renewing Turk’s mandate "does not preclude close dialogue with the United States."

"Differences of opinion regarding a vote do not call into question the quality of our relationship or our ability to work together," the official added.

By Tamilla Hasanova