France on Monday moved to block the United States envoy, Charles Kushner, from having direct access to French government ministers after he failed to appear for a scheduled meeting over controversial comments regarding a slain far-right activist.
The decision marks the latest diplomatic strain between Paris and Washington under US President Donald Trump, with French officials expressing concern over what they describe as repeated interference in domestic affairs.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot summoned Kushner following the US embassy’s reposting of statements from Washington about Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old far-right activist who died from head injuries sustained during clashes in Lyon.
Deranque was fatally injured during confrontations between radical-left and far-right groups on the sidelines of a February 12 protest against a politician from the left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party.
Barrot denounced attempts to exploit the killing “for political ends” and scheduled a meeting with Kushner at the foreign ministry. However, a diplomatic source said the US envoy cited “personal commitments” and sent a senior embassy official in his place.
“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 foreign ministry said in a statement.
While Kushner will retain his diplomatic status and continue official exchanges, he will no longer have direct engagement with top government officials.
Washington has yet to comment on the development.
The controversy follows remarks from the US State Department, which described Deranque’s killing as evidence of rising “violent radical leftism.” The US embassy in Paris shared a French translation of the post on its official account.
Deranque’s death has heightened political tensions in France ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Over 3,000 people marched in Lyon on Saturday in tribute to the activist, with authorities deploying heavy security to prevent further unrest.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also weighed in on the issue, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to urge her to refrain from commenting on France’s internal matters.
Kushner, whose son Jared Kushner is married to Trump’s daughter Ivanka, had previously been summoned by the French foreign ministry in August over criticism that President Macron was not doing enough to tackle antisemitism. On that occasion, the US charge d’affaires attended in his stead.
