France restricts US ambassador’s access to officials after summons no-show

US Ambassador Charles Kushner sends an embassy official in his place, his second time to skip a summons from the French Foreign Ministry.Published On 24 Feb 2026France has banned United States Ambassador Charles Kushner from meeting French government ministers, after he failed to attend a meeting at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Paris to explain comments made by the Trump administration following the recent killing of a French far-right activist.The French Foreign Ministry announced the decision on Monday, as diplomatic relations between Paris and Washington continue to deteriorate amid several disagreements, including on trade tariffs, the war in Ukraine and the role of Europe in countering Russia.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3US and Europe must ‘repair and revive transatlantic ties’: Germany’s Merzlist 2 of 3Marco Rubio wants to build a ‘new Western century’. Will Europe join?list 3 of 3World reacts as US top court limits Trump’s tariff powersend of list“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 (Jean-Noel Barrot) has requested that he (Ambassador Kushner) no longer be allowed direct access to members of the French government,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.The US ambassador can continue his diplomatic duties and have “exchanges” with officials, the ministry added.Foreign Minister Barrot summoned Kushner after the US embassy in Paris reposted on Sunday comments by the Trump administration in Washington about the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque, 23, who was beaten to death in a fight with alleged far-left activists, in an incident that shocked France.Instead of personally answering Barrot’s summons, Kushner sent a senior official from the embassy in his place, citing personal commitments, the AFP news agency reported, quoting a diplomatic source.It was not the first time that the ambassador had refused a summons issued by the French Foreign Ministry.