Mr Charles Kushner (centre) once served time in a federal prison, after pleading guilty in 2004 to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign contributions. WASHINGTON - President-elect Donald Trump on Nov 30 nominated Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as the US ambassador to France, in the latest of several controversial picks. Mr Kushner “is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests,” Trump said, on his Truth Social website, adding that Jared “worked closely with me in the White House.” The choice is in keeping with Trump’s pattern, so far, of selecting people, often wealthy, who are close to his family or of proven loyalty. Mr Kushner is a multimillionaire real estate executive and former attorney; his son was a senior adviser during Trump’s first term. Trump did not mention, however, that the elder Kushner once served jail time - a two-year sentence, most of it served in a federal prison. Mr Kushner, who is now 70, pleaded guilty in 2004 to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign contributions. The case, which was prosecuted by then US attorney Chris Christie, included sordid details, to which Mr Kushner admitted: that he had hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, a man cooperating in a campaign finance inquiry, and then videotaped the encounter and sent it to the man’s wife, Mr Kushner’s sister, to dissuade her from testifying against him. Mr Christie, who worked on Trump’s first presidential transition team and then opposed him in this year’s Republican primary contests, later said Mr Kushner had committed a “loathsome” and “disgusting crime.” In 2020, Trump issued a pardon to Mr Kushner, whose conviction had resulted in him being disbarred in three states. Nominees for key ambassadorships are often business associates of a president-elect, or major political donors. But it is rare, if not unprecedented, to name a convicted felon. The first two men to fill the prestigious Paris post were famed inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin and a future president, Thomas Jefferson. If confirmed, Mr Kushner would succeed Ms Denise Bauer, a former ambassador to Belgium who was a major Democratic fund-raiser and donor. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowChargers activate RB J.K. Dobbins from IRUK parents urged to ensure seat belt wearing becomes "second nature" for children
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Charvarius Ward will join the list of 49ers missing Monday night’s game against the Lions at Levi’s Stadium after the team ruled him out Sunday afternoon. The veteran cornerback and his girlfriend, Monique Cook, have been expecting the birth of a baby boy. The team cited personal reasons for Ward’s absence after coach Kyle Shanahan indicated Friday that Ward had good news but declined to explain further. Two months ago, Ward and Cook lost their first-born daughter unexpectedly at 23 months old. Ward missed three games in the wake of the devastating loss. As a pending free agent, Ward may have played his last game for the 49ers. He has been with the team the last three seasons after signing as a free agent from Kansas City, earning Pro Bowl honors last year as the top corner on an NFC champion team. He has 51 tackles and seven passes defensed this season after 72 tackles and five interceptions in 2023, including a two-pick, one-touchdown day last Dec. 17 at Arizona . In his absence, more will be thrust on the recently extended Deommodore Lenoir against the Lions’ air attack, and rookie Renardo Green will likely start in Ward’s place. Free agent signee Isaac Yiadom also may see more playing time. Along with Ward, left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) and linebacker Dre Greenlaw (calf) were ruled out earlier this week, as were guards Aaron Banks (knee) and Spencer Burford (calf). Williams was placed on injured reserve and Greenlaw is also out for the season. ©2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at mercurynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.BYD brings sustainable mobility to BruneiChargers activate RB J.K. Dobbins from IR
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