Charles Kushner and Son, Jared (Ivanka Trump’s husband)
One of the most talked-about news stories today is the nomination of Charles Kushner, father of Jared Kushner and father-in-law to former President and now the President-elect, Donald Trump, as the U.S. Ambassador to France (Parle Francais?).
This surprising announcement has sparked controversy, particularly given Charles Kushner's tumultuous history, which includes a 24 month stint in federal prison.
As president-elect, Donald Trump emphasized loyalty and trust, often relying on those close to him to fill key government positions. His decision to nominate Charles Kushner fits this very pattern but raises questions about nepotism and the propriety of such appointments, especially when considering Mr. Kushner’s criminal past.
You see, Charles Kushner was convicted in 2005 of multiple serious crimes, including tax evasion, illegal campaign contributions, and witness tampering. The most infamous aspect of his legal troubles involved hiring a prostitute to entrap his brother-in-law, who was cooperating with federal investigators. He videotaped the encounter and sent it to his own sister as an act of intimidation. This shocking attempt at silencing a witness led to his 24-month prison sentence, a period he served in full before being released in 2006.
In December 2020, during the final days of his presidency, Donald Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, citing his contributions to charitable causes and business achievements. However, many critics viewed the pardon as another instance of Trump leveraging his executive powers to benefit close allies and family members.
Mr. Trump’s decision to nominate Kushner as ambassador has raised eyebrows and elicited criticism from many quarters, including accusations of nepotism and cronyism. While the role of ambassador to France is often ceremonial and requires a strong understanding of diplomacy, the appointment of someone with Kushner’s controversial background seems to underscore Trump's loyalty-first approach to governance.
Before I get criticized as being critical of Trump, you must understand that as an immigrant who deeply values citizenship, I believe it is our civic duty to scrutinize political appointments like this. Being a citizen is more than a privilege; it is a responsibility to hold our leaders accountable for their actions and policies. Whether the issue concerns domestic well-being—such as the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the educational systems shaping future generations or matters of foreign diplomacy, vigilance is essential.
I have lived this responsibility both in my native country of Ghana and now here in my adopted United States. Corruption or favoritism in governance, regardless of who is in power, undermines the integrity of our institutions. To me, such a nomination raises valid concerns about the prioritization of loyalty over qualification, especially when trust in government institutions is already fragile and perhaps to an all time low.
The nomination of Charles Kushner as ambassador to France will undoubtedly continue to spark debate at most and gossip at least in the weeks ahead. For now, it serves as a reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the critical need to hold our leaders accountable, even when the actions seem to favor personal loyalties over the public good.
I will be watching this and other nominations closely and continuing to speak out, because the health of our democracy demands it.
I remain your Pal,
Ronnie
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