France Freezes Access for US Ambassador

France has suspended official contact with United States Ambassador to France Charles Kushner after he failed to respond to a formal summons from the French Foreign Ministry, escalating diplomatic tensions between Paris and Washington.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed Tuesday that Kushner would be denied access to members of the French government until he provides an explanation for his absence. 

The ambassador had been summoned to the Quai d’Orsay following controversial remarks by the administration of US President Donald Trump regarding the killing of a French far-right activist.

Barrot described the move as a necessary response to what he characterized as a breach of diplomatic protocol. He said the decision reflects a misunderstanding of the fundamental responsibilities of an ambassador, whose role is to represent their country while respecting the host nation’s political sovereignty.

According to French officials, Kushner’s access to government figures will remain restricted until he engages in direct discussions with the Foreign Ministry. Barrot emphasized that normal diplomatic relations could resume once clarification is provided and dialogue restored.

The dispute stems from comments shared by the US Embassy in Paris referencing the death of 23-year-old Quentin Deranque, who died of head injuries following clashes between radical-left and far-right groups during a February 12 protest in Lyon. The demonstration targeted a politician from the left-wing France Unbowed party.

A social media post from the US State Department’s counterterrorism bureau described the killing as evidence of a growing threat from left-wing extremist violence. French authorities viewed the remarks as interference in domestic political affairs and subsequently summoned the ambassador for clarification.

Barrot sharply criticized what he called attempts to politicize the incident, asserting that France does not accept foreign involvement in its national political debate. He further stated that Paris requires a formal explanation from the ambassador before diplomatic engagement can proceed.

The diplomatic standoff underscores mounting strain in US-France relations, particularly as debates over political extremism and foreign commentary intensify.

Observers note that while such access restrictions are rare between allied nations, they signal the seriousness with which France views adherence to diplomatic norms and respect for national sovereignty.