France has blocked United States ambassador to Paris Charles Kushner from accessing government officials after he failed to attend a scheduled meeting with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. The minister had summoned Kushner to explain recent comments regarding the killing of 23-year-old student Quentin Deranque during clashes between far-right and far-left groups in Lyon. Kushner declined to attend, citing a prior engagement, and sent a deputy instead.

Barrot called the absence a 'surprise' and said it would affect the ambassador’s ability to carry out his duties in France. The foreign ministry stated that Kushner would be denied contact with government members until he complies, accusing him of failing to understand the basic responsibilities of an ambassador.

The dispute began after social media posts from the United States State Department’s counterterrorism bureau suggested Deranque was killed by left-wing militants and warned of rising violent radical leftism. French officials rejected what they described as attempts to politicize the incident, insisting that foreign governments must not interfere in France’s domestic political debate.

The incident has intensified existing tensions, as Kushner had previously missed another summons over comments about antisemitism in France. His appointment as ambassador by President Donald Trump drew controversy, given his past conviction for tax evasion and illegal campaign donations before receiving a presidential pardon.