Charles Kushner

Charles Kushner is a Jewish American real estate developer, philanthropist, and political figure. He is best known as the founder of Kushner Companies and for his close ties to President Donald Trump, who appointed him as U.S. Ambassador to France in 2025. He is the father of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law and former senior advisor to President Trump.

Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Holocaust survivors Joseph and Rae Kushner, Charles was raised in a Modern Orthodox Jewish household. His parents had fled Poland during World War II and rebuilt their lives in the United States. The family’s experience and values strongly influenced Kushner’s identity and philanthropy.

Kushner began his career practicing law after earning a B.A. and M.B.A. from New York University and a J.D. from Hofstra Law School. In 1985, following his father’s death, he launched Kushner Companies, transforming inherited assets into a multibillion-dollar real estate empire. Over the next two decades, he developed an extensive portfolio of residential and commercial properties, primarily in New Jersey and New York.

Kushner became a significant political donor, initially supporting Democrats including Bill Clinton and New Jersey Governor James McGreevey. His political ties earned him appointments to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

His career took a dramatic turn in 2004 when federal authorities charged him with 18 counts, including tax evasion, illegal campaign contributions, and witness tampering. The most widely publicized charge involved hiring a prostitute to entrap his brother-in-law, who was cooperating with prosecutors. He pleaded guilty and served 14 months of a two-year sentence.

Following his release, Kushner re-entered the real estate market, refocusing investments and continuing philanthropic efforts. He contributed to medical, Jewish, and educational institutions and served on nonprofit boards. His company later pivoted from office properties in Manhattan to multifamily housing developments in growing markets.

In December 2020, President Trump granted him a full pardon, citing his charitable work and reformed record. In 2025, Trump nominated Kushner as U.S. Ambassador to France. Despite scrutiny over his past, the Senate confirmed Kushner in a 51–45 vote. During his confirmation, he expressed remorse for past actions and emphasized his commitment to strengthening U.S.-France relations.

Kushner is based in New Jersey, is married and has four children. The couple raised their family in a Modern Orthodox community and are known for their emphasis on Jewish continuity, which influenced the religious conversions of their daughters-in-law, among them Ivanka Trump.

Sources: “Charles Kushner Biography,” The Famous People. 
Leah Simpson, “Who are Jared Kushner’s parents? How Charles and Seryl Kushner went from being Donald Trump’s property rivals and shunning his daughter Ivanka, to getting pardoned by the former US president,” SCMP, (April 5, 2021). 
David Zimmer, “Who is Charles Kushner? NJ man is nominated by Trump to be US ambassador to France,” Yahoo! News, (December 1, 2024).
“Kushner, Charles – French Republic – March 2025,” U.S. Department of State, (March 17, 2025).
Mary Clare Jalonick, “Senate confirms Charles Kushner, father of Trump’s son-in-law, as ambassador to France,” AP, (May 19, 2025).