Diplomatic Firestorm: France Summons US Ambassador Over Jared Kushner's 'Unacceptable' Antisemitism Letter

In a rare and striking display of diplomatic displeasure, France formally summoned the United States ambassador to Paris on August 24, 2025, to express its profound indignation over a letter penned by former White House advisor Jared Kushner. The missive, which reportedly chastised France for its perceived failings in combating rising antisemitism, was unequivocally condemned by the French government as "unacceptable interference" in its sovereign affairs.

Sources within the Quai d'Orsay, France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the US ambassador received a firm reprimand regarding the content and tone of Kushner's letter.

While the exact phrasing of Kushner's communication remains undisclosed, reports suggest it contained pointed criticisms of French policies and societal responses to the increase in antisemitic acts, particularly in the aftermath of recent geopolitical events.

The French government, which has consistently reiterated its unwavering commitment to fighting antisemitism and hate speech, viewed Kushner's unsolicited counsel as a grave overstep.

A senior French diplomat, speaking anonymously, stated, "France does not need lessons from anyone, especially not from an individual whose diplomatic track record is, to put it mildly, controversial. We are fully capable of addressing our internal challenges with the full force of our laws and our republican values."

This diplomatic spat underscores a simmering tension between Paris and Washington, occasionally surfacing over issues of national sovereignty and differing approaches to domestic policy.

The summoning of an ambassador is a significant diplomatic act, typically reserved for moments of serious disagreement or protest, signaling that France views Kushner's intervention not merely as a minor slight but as a direct challenge to its autonomy.

The incident also highlights the global sensitivity surrounding the issue of antisemitism, which has seen a disturbing resurgence in various forms across Europe and beyond.

While both France and the United States are staunch allies in the fight against hate, the manner in which this common goal is pursued can become a flashpoint for diplomatic friction, especially when perceived as external dictation.

Observers suggest that Kushner's letter, seemingly sent in a personal capacity or from a non-official platform, nonetheless carried significant weight due to his past influence and close ties to US foreign policy circles.

This unofficial-yet-influential status may have further irked French officials, who might have seen it as circumventing official diplomatic channels and undermining the established protocols between two allied nations.

As the international community grapples with complex issues of hate and intolerance, this incident serves as a stark reminder that even close allies must navigate their relationships with care and respect for each other's sovereignty, particularly on deeply sensitive domestic matters.

The ball is now in Washington's court to respond to France's strong diplomatic signal.