France has barred U.S. ambassador Charles Kushner from direct meetings with French government ministers after he failed to appear for a summons from Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, according to French officials.
Kushner was summoned over comments linked to the death of French activist Quentin Deranque, which the Trump administration described as the result of left-wing violence.
France's row between the U.S. ambassador to Paris has deepened after the American envoy failed to show up for a French summons
— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 24, 2026
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France’s Foreign Ministry said Kushner’s failure to appear reflected a disregard for diplomatic norms and amounted to political interference. While Kushner will retain his post and continue routine diplomatic exchanges, he will no longer have direct access to senior ministers.
Barrot said the incident would not damage U.S.-France relations but requires clarification. He stressed that France rejects foreign involvement in its domestic political debate, especially surrounding an ongoing criminal case.
Deranque died earlier this month after a violent brawl in Lyon. French authorities have charged two suspects with murder and arrested several others. The U.S. State Department’s public comments on the case triggered outrage in Paris.
This marks the second time French officials have restricted Kushner’s access following similar disputes.
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