Trump picks previously-pardoned father-in-law for key diplomatic role in France

Donald Trump made an unexpected move by choosing Charles Kushner – a new-jersey based real-estate mogul and his son-in-laws father – as his pick for the next US ambassador to France

The nomination comes roughly 4 years after Trump used his presidential powers to pardon Kushner who had faced serious legal issues about twenty years ago. Back in the mid-2000s‚ Kushner got into hot water with law enforcement: he admitted guilt for several charges including mis-statements to the FEC witness tampering and tax problems (related to $6M in wrongly-labeled political donations)

The ambassador role needs a green-light from the Senate; however such diplomatic appointments usually get approved without much push-back from senators. The selection process typically follows a well-established path – presidents choices for these positions often receive quick approval as its considered a standard courtesy