MAGA meets Europe: Trump's envoys rip up diplomatic playbook - The Japan Times
U.S. ambassadors under the Trump administration have exhibited a more confrontational approach, with some publicly challenging their hosts rather than fostering diplomatic relations. Bill White, the ambassador to Brussels, responded to a foreign ministry summons over political interventions, while Charles Kushner, ambassador to Paris, initially declined to meet with French officials, leading France to cut and later restore his diplomatic access. French officials emphasized the importance of respecting national sovereignty and proper diplomatic conduct.
At least Bill White, U.S. President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Brussels, showed up when summoned by the foreign ministry over some undiplomatic interventions into Belgian politics.
His counterpart in Paris, Charles Kushner, on Monday snubbed a similar call, prompting France to cut off his contact with government officials. Calm was restored when the former real estate developer called Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Tuesday and said he aimed to avoid interfering in domestic affairs. France plans to restore Kushner’s access, according to people familiar with the matter.
“We don’t accept that foreign countries can come and interfere, can invite themselves into the national political debate, whatever the circumstances,” Barrot said on France Info radio on Tuesday. “There is nothing more normal than summoning an ambassador when an explanation is needed.”
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