Seryl Kushner, Wife of U.S. Ambassador to France, Accompanies Charles Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Feb. 24, 2026 — Paris Seryl Kushner, philanthropist and wife of U.S. Ambassador to Charles Kushner, joined her husband on official visits in France following his 2025 appointment, as the ambassador faces new diplomatic rebukes from French officials over comments on a far-right activist’s death.
Charles Kushner, appointed U.S. Ambassador to France and Monaco in 2025 and taking post in July, was summoned by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Feb. 23, 2026, to the Quai d’Orsay after the U.S. embassy reposted State Department criticism of “violent radical leftism” in the beating death of 23-year-old Quentin Deranque in Lyon. Kushner did not attend, prompting France to recommend barring him from direct access to government officials, according to reports from The New York Times, The Daily Beast, and others.
Barrot stated: > We reject any instrumentalization of this tragedy, which has plunged a French family into mourning, for political ends. We have no lessons to learn, particularly on the issue of violence, from the international reactionary movement.
This marks the second clash; in August 2025, Kushner drew ire for an op-ed accusing France of inadequate antisemitism response.
Seryl Kushner’s Background and Role
Seryl Kushner (née Stadtmauer), mother of four including Jared and Joshua Kushner, has supported her husband’s career from Kushner Companies real estate empire to diplomacy. The embassy biography notes the couple has 14 grandchildren and takes pride in family and philanthropy. Raised in an Orthodox Jewish household, she emphasized faith and family, influencing conversions by daughters-in-law Ivanka Trump and Karlie Kloss, per a December 2025 profile.
She stood by Charles during his 2005 conviction for witness tampering and tax evasion, maintaining family stability.
Joint Public Appearances
Seryl accompanied Charles on key visits, including the Suresnes American Cemetery in July 2025 and the IRCAD institute in November 2025. Coverage of recent tensions referenced photos of the couple, such as leaving the Élysée Palace in July, per NYT.
The Kushners’ philanthropic legacy spans education and Jewish causes, tied to family profiles.
