America vs France: Kushner’s Letter Draws Battle Lines on Israel

Charles Kushner, U.S. Ambassador to France and President Trump’s father-in-law, issued a rare and bold rebuke directly to President Emmanuel Macron. His letter, fully published in the Wall Street Journal under his name, ignited controversy by accusing Macron’s government of inaction against rising antisemitism and affirming that “anti-Zionism is antisemitism.” France responded by summoning Kushner for a firm diplomatic rebuke—yet the full letter went public, signaling a clear American stand.

This article continues the thread from last night’s stories:

American Defiance on Display

The ambassador began with a poignant reference to the 81st anniversary of Paris’s liberation:

“I write out of deep concern over the dramatic rise of antisemitism in France, and your government's alarming lack of action… Not a day passes without Jews assaulted in the street… synagogues or schools defaced… Jewish-owned businesses vandalized… Anti-Zionism is antisemitism—plain and simple.”

Kushner tied the surge directly to Macron’s policies:

“Public statements against Israel and gestures toward recognizing a Palestinian state embolden extremists and endanger Jewish lives.”

He contrasted this with U.S. leadership under Trump:

“I expanded FBI and DHS resources to protect Jewish institutions, halted funding to antisemitic entities, deported Hamas sympathizers, and struck Iran’s nuclear program—saving millions.”

He concluded with a direct plea:

"Enforce hate-crime laws without exception; secure Jewish schools, synagogues, businesses; prosecute offenders; and stop legitimizing Hamas."

France Fires Back. America Doesn’t Flinch.

Paris wasted no time responding. The French Foreign Ministry summoned Kushner, declared his remarks unacceptable, and reiterated its sovereignty. France called the accusations “unlawful interference,” and affirmed its own commitment to combating antisemitism.

Yet the U.S. Embassy’s move to publish the full letter under Kushner’s name—post reprimand—was a clear statement of intent: Washington stands unapologetically behind its envoy, and firmly aligned with Israel.

Messaging to Jerusalem: America Has Your Back

Beyond the Paris clash, Kushner’s letter served a deeper purpose: reinforcing to Israel that U.S. support remains ironclad, even when it tests traditional alliances. The timing—on the eve of France’s announcement to recognize a Palestinian state—is telling.

The Full Letter

Dear President Macron,

On the 81st anniversary of the Allied Liberation of Paris, which ended the deportation of Jews from French soil, I write out of deep concern over the dramatic rise of antisemitism in France and the lack of sufficient action by your government to confront it.

Antisemitism has long scarred French life, but it has exploded since Hamas’s barbaric assault on Oct. 7, 2023. Since then, pro-Hamas extremists and radical activists have waged a campaign of intimidation and violence across Europe.

In France, not a day passes without Jews assaulted in the street, synagogues or schools defaced, or Jewish-owned businesses vandalized. Your own Interior Ministry has reported antisemitic incidents even at preschools. Public statements haranguing Israel and gestures toward recognition of a Palestinian state embolden extremists, fuel violence, and endanger Jewish life in France. In today’s world, anti-Zionism is antisemitism—plain and simple. President Trump and I have Jewish children and share Jewish grandchildren. I know how he feels about antisemitism, as do all Americans. He directed the Education Department to enforce civil-rights protections for Jewish students on university campuses, making clear that harassment and discrimination won’t be tolerated. He expanded resources for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security to safeguard synagogues and Jewish schools. He ordered strict vetting to bar entry for foreigners espousing antisemitic hatred and revoked visas for foreign agitators. He oversaw the deportation of Hamas sympathizers and cut funding to organizations promoting antisemitic incitement. And by crippling Iran’s nuclear-weapons program, he struck directly at the world’s leading state sponsor of antisemitism and terror and saved millions of lives. These measures prove that antisemitism can be fought effectively when leaders have the will to act. Today, many French Jews fear that history will repeat itself in Europe. Parents encourage their children to emigrate; surveys show most French citizens believe another Holocaust could happen in Europe. Nearly half of French youth report never having heard of the Holocaust at all. What are children being taught in French schools if such ignorance persists? Mr. President, I urge you to act decisively: enforce hate-crime laws without exception; ensure the safety of Jewish schools, synagogues and businesses, prosecute offenders to the fullest extent; and abandon steps that give legitimacy to Hamas and its allies. As U.S. ambassador to France, I stand ready to work with you and with leaders across French society to forge a serious plan that addresses the roots of antisemitism and defeats it.