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{{MetaDescription|Charles Kushner, real estate mogul and Jared Kushner's father, served 14 months for tax evasion and witness tampering and was pardoned by Trump in December 2020.}}
{{Infobox Person
{{Infobox Person
|name = Charles Kushner
|name = Charles Kushner
|image = charles-kushner.png
|birth_date = May 16, 1954
|birth_date = May 16, 1954
|birth_place = Elizabeth, New Jersey
|birth_place = Elizabeth, New Jersey
Line 13: Line 11:
|release_date = December 23, 2020 (pardoned)
|release_date = December 23, 2020 (pardoned)
}}
}}
'''Charles Kushner''' (born May 16, 1954) is an American real estate developer, disbarred attorney, and diplomat who founded Kushner Companies in 1985. In 2005, Kushner pleaded guilty to 18 counts of tax evasion, making illegal campaign contributions, and witness tampering. The witness tampering charge stemmed from an elaborate revenge scheme in which Kushner hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, who was cooperating with federal investigators, recorded the encounter, and sent the tape to his sister. Former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie, who prosecuted the case, called it "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes" he ever handled. Kushner was sentenced to two years in federal prison and served 14 months. President Donald Trump, whose daughter Ivanka is married to Kushner's son Jared, granted Kushner a full [[Presidential Clemency and Pardons|pardon]] on December 23, 2020. In 2025, Kushner was confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to France.<ref name="npr">NPR, "Trump Pardons Roger Stone, Paul Manafort And Charles Kushner," December 2020, https://www.npr.org/2020/12/23/949820820/trump-pardons-roger-stone-paul-manafort-and-charles-kushner</ref>
'''Charles Kushner''' (born May 16, 1954) is an American real estate developer, disbarred attorney, and diplomat who founded Kushner Companies in 1985. He pleaded guilty to 18 counts in 2005: tax evasion, illegal campaign contributions, and witness tampering. The witness tampering charge involved hiring a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, who was cooperating with federal investigators, secretly recording the encounter, and sending the tape to his sister. Chris Christie, the U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the case, called it "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes" he ever handled. Kushner served 14 months of a two-year sentence in federal prison. President Donald Trump, whose daughter Ivanka is married to Kushner's son Jared, granted Kushner a full [[Presidential Clemency and Pardons|pardon]] on December 23, 2020. In 2025, Kushner was confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to France.<ref name="npr">NPR, "Trump Pardons Roger Stone, Paul Manafort And Charles Kushner," December 2020, https://www.npr.org/2020/12/23/949820820/trump-pardons-roger-stone-paul-manafort-and-charles-kushner</ref>


== Summary ==
== Summary ==


Charles Kushner is a major figure in American real estate whose criminal case drew national attention both for its sensational facts and for its later connections to the Trump family. The son of Holocaust survivors who immigrated to America after World War II, Kushner built on his father's real estate holdings to create one of New Jersey's largest property empires.
Charles Kushner is a central figure in American real estate whose criminal case drew national attention for its shocking details and later connections to the Trump family. His parents were Holocaust survivors who came to America after World War II, and Kushner expanded his father's real estate holdings into one of New Jersey's largest property empires.


His downfall came when federal investigators discovered he had made illegal campaign contributions by funneling money through employees and family members, and had evaded taxes. When Kushner learned that his brother-in-law was cooperating with prosecutors, he hatched an elaborate scheme to intimidate him: he hired a prostitute to seduce the man, secretly recorded the encounter, and sent the video to his own sister.
Federal investigators uncovered illegal campaign contributions he'd made by routing money through employees and family members, along with tax evasion. When his brother-in-law began cooperating with prosecutors, Kushner devised a disturbing scheme to intimidate him. He hired a prostitute to seduce the man, recorded it, and mailed the video to his own sister.


The case was prosecuted by then-U.S. Attorney Chris Christie, who would later become a two-term governor and presidential candidate. The prosecution created lasting bad blood with the Kushner family. When Christie served as an advisor to Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, he claimed that Jared Kushner orchestrated his removal from the transition team as revenge for putting his father in prison.
The case was prosecuted by Chris Christie, who'd later become a two-term governor and presidential candidate. It created permanent tension between the families. When Christie advised Trump's 2016 campaign, he claimed Jared Kushner orchestrated his removal from the transition team as payback for prosecuting his father.


Kushner's December 2020 pardon by President Trump—whose daughter Ivanka had married Jared Kushner in 2009—was controversial given the family connection. The pardon cleared the way for Kushner's later appointment as U.S. Ambassador to France in 2025.
Trump's December 2020 pardon of Kushner was contentious, given that he was pardoning his son-in-law's father. The pardon enabled Kushner's eventual appointment as U.S. Ambassador to France in 2025.


== Background ==
== Background ==
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=== Early Life ===
=== Early Life ===


Charles Kushner was born on May 16, 1954, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. At birth, he was named Chanan, after a maternal uncle who died in a German concentration camp during the Holocaust.
Kushner was born on May 16, 1954, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. His birth name was Chanan, after a maternal uncle who died in a German concentration camp.


His parents, Joseph Kushner and Rae Kushner (née Berkowitz), were Jewish Holocaust survivors from Novogrudok in eastern Poland (now Belarus). They came to America from the Soviet Union in 1949. Charles grew up in Elizabeth with his older brother Murray and sister Esther.<ref name="trib">Chicago Tribune, "Trump pardoned his son-in-law's dad. Here's what Charles Kushner did," December 2020, https://www.chicagotribune.com/2020/12/24/trump-pardoned-his-son-in-laws-dad-heres-what-charles-kushner-did/</ref>
His parents, Joseph and Rae Kushner (née Berkowitz), were Jewish Holocaust survivors from Novogrudok in what's now Belarus. They arrived in America from the Soviet Union in 1949. Kushner grew up in Elizabeth alongside his older brother Murray and sister Esther.<ref name="trib">Chicago Tribune, "Trump pardoned his son-in-law's dad. Here's what Charles Kushner did," December 2020, https://www.chicagotribune.com/2020/12/24/trump-pardoned-his-son-in-laws-dad-heres-what-charles-kushner-did/</ref>


=== Family Background ===
=== Family Background ===


Charles was raised in Modern Orthodox Judaism, attending yeshivas. His parents emphasized tzedakah (charity) and klal Yisrael (Jewish peoplehood). His father worked as a construction worker, builder, and real estate investor, eventually developing a portfolio of approximately 4,000 apartments.
His upbringing in Modern Orthodox Judaism shaped his values. He attended yeshivas and learned about tzedakah (charity) and klal Yisrael (Jewish peoplehood) from his parents. His father worked as a construction worker and builder before becoming a real estate investor with roughly 4,000 apartments in his portfolio.


=== Education ===
=== Education ===


Kushner earned a bachelor's degree from New York University and a law degree from Hofstra University School of Law in 1979.
He earned a bachelor's degree from New York University and a law degree from Hofstra University School of Law in 1979.


== Real Estate Career ==
== Real Estate Career ==
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=== Founding Kushner Companies ===
=== Founding Kushner Companies ===


After graduating from law school, Charles Kushner joined his father's real estate business in 1979. In 1985, he convinced his father to begin buying properties rather than just building them, and founded Kushner Companies, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey. His father Joseph died that same year.
After law school, Kushner joined his father's business in 1979. Six years later, he proposed a shift in strategy: buy properties rather than just develop them. In 1985, he founded Kushner Companies with headquarters in Florham Park, New Jersey. His father died that same year.


=== Building the Empire ===
=== Building the Empire ===


Under Charles's leadership, Kushner Companies grew dramatically. He expanded beyond New Jersey into New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. The company focused primarily on residential apartments.
Kushner transformed the company into something much larger. He expanded from New Jersey into New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida, focusing primarily on residential apartments. By 1999, when he won the Ernst & Young New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year award, Kushner Companies had grown to more than 10,000 residential apartments and added a homebuilding business, commercial and industrial properties, and a community bank.


By 1999, when Kushner won the Ernst & Young New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year award, the company had grown to more than 10,000 residential apartments, along with a homebuilding business, commercial and industrial properties, and a community bank.
Four years later, by 2004, the company owned roughly 25,000 units, making Kushner one of New Jersey's largest landlords. A 2017 Bloomberg News study found the company owned stakes in over 60 buildings in New York City alone.
 
By 2004, Kushner Companies owned approximately 25,000 units, making it one of New Jersey's largest landlords. A 2017 Bloomberg News study indicated the company owned stakes in over 60 buildings in New York City alone.


=== Family Business ===
=== Family Business ===


Charles Kushner has four children. His elder son Jared took over management of Kushner Companies after Charles's conviction. Jared married Ivanka Trump, daughter of Donald Trump, in 2009 and later served as a senior advisor in Trump's White House. Charles's younger son Joshua became a venture capitalist who married supermodel Karlie Kloss.
Kushner has four children. His elder son Jared took over company management following Charles's conviction. Jared married Ivanka Trump, daughter of Donald Trump, in 2009 and later served as a senior advisor in Trump's White House. His younger son Joshua became a venture capitalist and married supermodel Karlie Kloss.


The Kushner family's total net worth has been estimated at $7.1 billion as of recent years, up from $1.8 billion in 2016.
The Kushner family's net worth climbed to $7.1 billion in recent years, up from $1.8 billion in 2016.


== Criminal Case ==
== Criminal Case ==
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=== Federal Investigation ===
=== Federal Investigation ===


Federal investigators began examining Charles Kushner's business practices and political contributions. The investigation was led by Chris Christie, then the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.
Federal investigators looked into Kushner's business practices and political contributions. Chris Christie, then U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, led the investigation.


Investigators discovered that Kushner had made illegal campaign contributions by funneling money through employees and family members whose names were attached to contributions without their knowledge. He had also evaded taxes on significant income.<ref name="cnn">CNN, "Chris Christie: Jared Kushner's father committed 'one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes,'" January 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/30/politics/chris-christie-jared-kushner-father/index.html</ref>
They discovered he'd made illegal campaign contributions by routing money through employees and family members without their knowledge. Tax evasion was also found.<ref name="cnn">CNN, "Chris Christie: Jared Kushner's father committed 'one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes,'" January 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/30/politics/chris-christie-jared-kushner-father/index.html</ref>


=== Witness Tampering Scheme ===
=== Witness Tampering Scheme ===


When Kushner learned that his brother-in-law William Schulder, a former employee who was married to his sister Esther, was cooperating with federal investigators, he devised an elaborate revenge plot.
When Kushner learned his brother-in-law William Schulder was cooperating with prosecutors, he devised something extraordinary in its cruelty. Schulder was a former employee married to Kushner's sister Esther.


In 2003, Kushner hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law. He arranged for the encounter to be secretly recorded. He then sent the video to his sister, Schulder's wife.
In 2003, Kushner hired a prostitute to seduce him. The encounter was secretly recorded. He then mailed the video to his sister.


The intimidation scheme backfired. The Schulders brought the video to prosecutors, who tracked down the prostitute and threatened her with arrest. She turned on Kushner and provided evidence against him.
The plan backfired immediately. The Schulders showed prosecutors the tape. They tracked down the prostitute and threatened her with arrest. She flipped and testified against Kushner.


=== Christie's Comments ===
=== Christie's Comments ===


Chris Christie has repeatedly described the case in harsh terms. He called it "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was U.S. Attorney."
Christie hasn't minced words about this case. He's called it "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was U.S. Attorney."


At sentencing, Christie said: "The court of law was the great equalizer for Mr. Kushner, who had obviously convinced himself that his power, influence and immense wealth put him above the law."<ref name="wapo">Washington Post, "Chris Christie rips Kushner's dad: 'One of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted,'" January 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/01/30/chris-christie-rips-kushners-dad-one-most-loathsome-disgusting-crimes-that-i-prosecuted/</ref>
At sentencing, he told the court: "The court of law was the great equalizer for Mr. Kushner, who had obviously convinced himself that his power, influence and immense wealth put him above the law."<ref name="wapo">Washington Post, "Chris Christie rips Kushner's dad: 'One of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted,'" January 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/01/30/chris-christie-rips-kushners-dad-one-most-loathsome-disgusting-crimes-that-i-prosecuted/</ref>


== Guilty Plea and Sentencing ==
== Guilty Plea and Sentencing ==
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=== Guilty Plea ===
=== Guilty Plea ===


On March 4, 2005, Charles Kushner pleaded guilty to 18 counts of:
On March 4, 2005, Kushner pleaded guilty to 18 counts:
* Tax evasion
* Tax evasion
* Making illegal campaign contributions
* Making illegal campaign contributions
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=== Sentencing ===
=== Sentencing ===


U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares sentenced Kushner to two years in federal prison—the maximum under his plea agreement. The judge called Kushner's crimes "disgraceful and reprehensible."
U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares handed down the maximum sentence allowed: two years in federal prison. He described Kushner's crimes as "disgraceful and reprehensible."


Kushner was also ordered to pay $508,900 to the Federal Election Commission for violating campaign contribution regulations.
Beyond prison time, Kushner was ordered to pay $508,900 to the Federal Election Commission for campaign contribution violations.


== Imprisonment ==
== Imprisonment ==


Kushner served his sentence at Federal Prison Camp Montgomery in Alabama, a minimum-security facility. After serving 14 months, he was transferred to a halfway house in Newark, New Jersey, to complete his sentence. He was released on August 25, 2006.
He served his time at [[FPC_Montgomery_(minimum-security)|Federal Prison Camp Montgomery]] in Alabama, a minimum-security facility. After 14 months, he was moved to a halfway house in Newark to finish out his sentence. He was released on August 25, 2006.


During his imprisonment, his son Jared took over management of Kushner Companies.
His son Jared took over running Kushner Companies while Charles was inside.


== Feud with Chris Christie ==
== Feud with Chris Christie ==


The prosecution created lasting animosity between the Kushner and Christie families. In his 2019 book "Let Me Finish," Christie claimed that Jared Kushner engineered his removal from Donald Trump's 2016 transition team as an act of revenge.
The prosecution left lasting scars. In his 2019 book "Let Me Finish," Christie claimed Jared Kushner orchestrated his removal from Trump's 2016 transition team out of revenge.


Christie wrote that Jared was still "seething" about the prosecution of his father years later. Christie said that Steve Bannon fired him at Trump Tower but that the order came from Jared Kushner.<ref name="cnn" />
According to Christie, Jared was still angry about his father's prosecution years later. Christie maintained that Steve Bannon fired him at Trump Tower, but the order came from Jared.<ref name="cnn" />


== Presidential Pardon ==
== Presidential Pardon ==


On December 23, 2020, President Donald Trump granted Charles Kushner a full and unconditional pardon.<ref name="npr" />
President Donald Trump granted Kushner a full and unconditional pardon on December 23, 2020.<ref name="npr" />


=== White House Statement ===
=== White House Statement ===


The White House statement acknowledged Kushner's conviction but emphasized his post-prison conduct: "Since completing his sentence in 2006, Mr. Kushner has been devoted to important philanthropic organizations and causes, such as Saint Barnabas Medical Center and United Cerebral Palsy."
The statement acknowledged his conviction but highlighted what came after: "Since completing his sentence in 2006, Mr. Kushner has been devoted to important philanthropic organizations and causes, such as Saint Barnabas Medical Center and United Cerebral Palsy."


The statement concluded: "This record of reform and charity overshadows Mr. Kushner's conviction and 2 year sentence for preparing false tax returns, witness retaliation, and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission."
It wrapped up: "This record of reform and charity overshadows Mr. Kushner's conviction and 2 year sentence for preparing false tax returns, witness retaliation, and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission."


=== Part of Larger Pardon Wave ===
=== Part of Larger Pardon Wave ===


Kushner was pardoned alongside other prominent Trump allies, including former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and political operative Roger Stone.
Other Trump allies received pardons that same day. Paul Manafort, his former campaign chairman, and political operative Roger Stone both got the same treatment.


=== Criticism ===
=== Criticism ===


The pardon drew criticism due to the obvious family connection. Critics noted that Trump was pardoning his own daughter's father-in-law for serious crimes including witness tampering.
Critics attacked the pardon because of family ties. Trump was pardoning his son-in-law's father for serious crimes, including witness tampering. The optics looked terrible.


== Ambassador to France ==
== Ambassador to France ==


On November 30, 2024, President-elect Trump announced his intention to nominate Charles Kushner to serve as United States Ambassador to France and Monaco. The nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on a vote of 51-45, and Kushner assumed the post in 2025.<ref name="nbc">NBC News, "Trump picks Jared Kushner's father, Charles Kushner, for ambassador to France," November 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-picks-jared-kushners-father-charles-kushner-ambassador-france-rcna182298</ref>
On November 30, 2024, President-elect Trump announced his intention to nominate Kushner for United States Ambassador to France and Monaco. The U.S. Senate confirmed him 51-45, and he assumed office in 2025.<ref name="nbc">NBC News, "Trump picks Jared Kushner's father, Charles Kushner, for ambassador to France," November 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-picks-jared-kushners-father-charles-kushner-ambassador-france-rcna182298</ref>


== Frequently Asked Questions ==
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
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{{FAQ
{{FAQ
|question = What did Charles Kushner do?
|question = What did Charles Kushner do?
|answer = Kushner pleaded guilty to 18 counts of [[Tax Evasion|tax evasion]], illegal campaign contributions, and witness tampering. The witness tampering involved hiring a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law who was cooperating with federal investigators, recording the encounter, and sending the tape to his sister. Chris Christie called it "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes" he prosecuted.<ref name="cnn" />
|answer = Kushner pleaded guilty to 18 counts of [[Tax Evasion|tax evasion]], illegal campaign contributions, and witness tampering. He hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law who was cooperating with federal investigators, secretly recorded it, and sent the tape to his sister. Christie called it "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes" he prosecuted.<ref name="cnn" />
}}
}}


{{FAQ
{{FAQ
|question = Was Charles Kushner pardoned?
|question = Was Charles Kushner pardoned?
|answer = Yes, President Trump granted Kushner a full [[Presidential Clemency and Pardons|pardon]] on December 23, 2020. Kushner is the father of Jared Kushner, who is married to Trump's daughter Ivanka. The White House cited his philanthropic work, saying his "record of reform and charity overshadows" his conviction. He was later confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to France.<ref name="npr" />
|answer = Yes, Trump granted Kushner a full [[Presidential Clemency and Pardons|pardon]] on December 23, 2020. Kushner is Jared Kushner's father, and Jared is married to Trump's daughter Ivanka. The White House pointed to his philanthropic work, saying his "record of reform and charity overshadows" his conviction. He was later confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to France.<ref name="npr" />
}}
}}


{{FAQ
{{FAQ
|question = How long was Charles Kushner's prison sentence?
|question = How long was Charles Kushner's prison sentence?
|answer = Kushner was sentenced to two years in federal prison in 2005. He served 14 months at Federal Prison Camp Montgomery in Alabama before being transferred to a halfway house in Newark to complete his sentence. He was released on August 25, 2006. He also paid $508,900 to the FEC.<ref name="trib" />
|answer = He was sentenced to two years in federal prison in 2005. He served 14 months at Federal Prison Camp Montgomery in Alabama before being transferred to a halfway house in Newark to finish his sentence. He was released on August 25, 2006. He also paid $508,900 to the FEC.<ref name="trib" />
}}
}}


{{FAQ
{{FAQ
|question = Who is Charles Kushner?
|question = Who is Charles Kushner?
|answer = Kushner is a real estate developer who founded Kushner Companies in 1985. The son of Holocaust survivors, he built his father's portfolio of 4,000 apartments into a major empire with over 25,000 units. He is the father of Jared Kushner, who married Ivanka Trump. In 2025, he became U.S. Ambassador to France.<ref name="nbc" />
|answer = Kushner is a real estate developer who founded Kushner Companies in 1985. The son of Holocaust survivors, he built his father's portfolio of 4,000 apartments into a major real estate empire with over 25,000 units. He's the father of Jared Kushner, who married Ivanka Trump. In 2025, he became U.S. Ambassador to France.<ref name="nbc" />
}}
}}


{{FAQ
{{FAQ
|question = Who prosecuted Charles Kushner?
|question = Who prosecuted Charles Kushner?
|answer = Kushner was prosecuted by Chris Christie, then U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. Christie later became Governor and ran for president. Christie has said Jared Kushner later engineered his removal from Trump's 2016 transition team as revenge. Christie called the witness tampering scheme "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes" he prosecuted.<ref name="wapo" />
|answer = Chris Christie, then U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, prosecuted the case. He later became Governor and ran for president. Christie has said Jared Kushner later arranged his removal from Trump's 2016 transition team as revenge. Christie has repeatedly called the witness tampering scheme "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes" he prosecuted.<ref name="wapo" />
}}
}}


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{{MetaDescription|Charles Kushner, real estate mogul and Jared Kushner's father, served 14 months for tax evasion and witness tampering and was pardoned by Trump in December 2020.}}

Latest revision as of 17:11, 23 April 2026

Charles Kushner
Born: May 16, 1954
Elizabeth, New Jersey
Charges: Tax evasion, Illegal campaign contributions, Witness tampering
Sentence: 2 years
Facility: FPC Montgomery
Status: Pardoned

Charles Kushner (born May 16, 1954) is an American real estate developer, disbarred attorney, and diplomat who founded Kushner Companies in 1985. He pleaded guilty to 18 counts in 2005: tax evasion, illegal campaign contributions, and witness tampering. The witness tampering charge involved hiring a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, who was cooperating with federal investigators, secretly recording the encounter, and sending the tape to his sister. Chris Christie, the U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the case, called it "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes" he ever handled. Kushner served 14 months of a two-year sentence in federal prison. President Donald Trump, whose daughter Ivanka is married to Kushner's son Jared, granted Kushner a full pardon on December 23, 2020. In 2025, Kushner was confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to France.[1]

Summary

Charles Kushner is a central figure in American real estate whose criminal case drew national attention for its shocking details and later connections to the Trump family. His parents were Holocaust survivors who came to America after World War II, and Kushner expanded his father's real estate holdings into one of New Jersey's largest property empires.

Federal investigators uncovered illegal campaign contributions he'd made by routing money through employees and family members, along with tax evasion. When his brother-in-law began cooperating with prosecutors, Kushner devised a disturbing scheme to intimidate him. He hired a prostitute to seduce the man, recorded it, and mailed the video to his own sister.

The case was prosecuted by Chris Christie, who'd later become a two-term governor and presidential candidate. It created permanent tension between the families. When Christie advised Trump's 2016 campaign, he claimed Jared Kushner orchestrated his removal from the transition team as payback for prosecuting his father.

Trump's December 2020 pardon of Kushner was contentious, given that he was pardoning his son-in-law's father. The pardon enabled Kushner's eventual appointment as U.S. Ambassador to France in 2025.

Background

Early Life

Kushner was born on May 16, 1954, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. His birth name was Chanan, after a maternal uncle who died in a German concentration camp.

His parents, Joseph and Rae Kushner (née Berkowitz), were Jewish Holocaust survivors from Novogrudok in what's now Belarus. They arrived in America from the Soviet Union in 1949. Kushner grew up in Elizabeth alongside his older brother Murray and sister Esther.[2]

Family Background

His upbringing in Modern Orthodox Judaism shaped his values. He attended yeshivas and learned about tzedakah (charity) and klal Yisrael (Jewish peoplehood) from his parents. His father worked as a construction worker and builder before becoming a real estate investor with roughly 4,000 apartments in his portfolio.

Education

He earned a bachelor's degree from New York University and a law degree from Hofstra University School of Law in 1979.

Real Estate Career

Founding Kushner Companies

After law school, Kushner joined his father's business in 1979. Six years later, he proposed a shift in strategy: buy properties rather than just develop them. In 1985, he founded Kushner Companies with headquarters in Florham Park, New Jersey. His father died that same year.

Building the Empire

Kushner transformed the company into something much larger. He expanded from New Jersey into New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida, focusing primarily on residential apartments. By 1999, when he won the Ernst & Young New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year award, Kushner Companies had grown to more than 10,000 residential apartments and added a homebuilding business, commercial and industrial properties, and a community bank.

Four years later, by 2004, the company owned roughly 25,000 units, making Kushner one of New Jersey's largest landlords. A 2017 Bloomberg News study found the company owned stakes in over 60 buildings in New York City alone.

Family Business

Kushner has four children. His elder son Jared took over company management following Charles's conviction. Jared married Ivanka Trump, daughter of Donald Trump, in 2009 and later served as a senior advisor in Trump's White House. His younger son Joshua became a venture capitalist and married supermodel Karlie Kloss.

The Kushner family's net worth climbed to $7.1 billion in recent years, up from $1.8 billion in 2016.

Criminal Case

Federal Investigation

Federal investigators looked into Kushner's business practices and political contributions. Chris Christie, then U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, led the investigation.

They discovered he'd made illegal campaign contributions by routing money through employees and family members without their knowledge. Tax evasion was also found.[3]

Witness Tampering Scheme

When Kushner learned his brother-in-law William Schulder was cooperating with prosecutors, he devised something extraordinary in its cruelty. Schulder was a former employee married to Kushner's sister Esther.

In 2003, Kushner hired a prostitute to seduce him. The encounter was secretly recorded. He then mailed the video to his sister.

The plan backfired immediately. The Schulders showed prosecutors the tape. They tracked down the prostitute and threatened her with arrest. She flipped and testified against Kushner.

Christie's Comments

Christie hasn't minced words about this case. He's called it "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was U.S. Attorney."

At sentencing, he told the court: "The court of law was the great equalizer for Mr. Kushner, who had obviously convinced himself that his power, influence and immense wealth put him above the law."[4]

Guilty Plea and Sentencing

Guilty Plea

On March 4, 2005, Kushner pleaded guilty to 18 counts:

  • Tax evasion
  • Making illegal campaign contributions
  • Witness tampering

Sentencing

U.S. District Judge Jose L. Linares handed down the maximum sentence allowed: two years in federal prison. He described Kushner's crimes as "disgraceful and reprehensible."

Beyond prison time, Kushner was ordered to pay $508,900 to the Federal Election Commission for campaign contribution violations.

Imprisonment

He served his time at Federal Prison Camp Montgomery in Alabama, a minimum-security facility. After 14 months, he was moved to a halfway house in Newark to finish out his sentence. He was released on August 25, 2006.

His son Jared took over running Kushner Companies while Charles was inside.

Feud with Chris Christie

The prosecution left lasting scars. In his 2019 book "Let Me Finish," Christie claimed Jared Kushner orchestrated his removal from Trump's 2016 transition team out of revenge.

According to Christie, Jared was still angry about his father's prosecution years later. Christie maintained that Steve Bannon fired him at Trump Tower, but the order came from Jared.[3]

Presidential Pardon

President Donald Trump granted Kushner a full and unconditional pardon on December 23, 2020.[1]

White House Statement

The statement acknowledged his conviction but highlighted what came after: "Since completing his sentence in 2006, Mr. Kushner has been devoted to important philanthropic organizations and causes, such as Saint Barnabas Medical Center and United Cerebral Palsy."

It wrapped up: "This record of reform and charity overshadows Mr. Kushner's conviction and 2 year sentence for preparing false tax returns, witness retaliation, and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission."

Part of Larger Pardon Wave

Other Trump allies received pardons that same day. Paul Manafort, his former campaign chairman, and political operative Roger Stone both got the same treatment.

Criticism

Critics attacked the pardon because of family ties. Trump was pardoning his son-in-law's father for serious crimes, including witness tampering. The optics looked terrible.

Ambassador to France

On November 30, 2024, President-elect Trump announced his intention to nominate Kushner for United States Ambassador to France and Monaco. The U.S. Senate confirmed him 51-45, and he assumed office in 2025.[5]

Frequently Asked Questions


Q: What did Charles Kushner do?

Kushner pleaded guilty to 18 counts of tax evasion, illegal campaign contributions, and witness tampering. He hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law who was cooperating with federal investigators, secretly recorded it, and sent the tape to his sister. Christie called it "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes" he prosecuted.[3]



Q: Was Charles Kushner pardoned?

Yes, Trump granted Kushner a full pardon on December 23, 2020. Kushner is Jared Kushner's father, and Jared is married to Trump's daughter Ivanka. The White House pointed to his philanthropic work, saying his "record of reform and charity overshadows" his conviction. He was later confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to France.[1]



Q: How long was Charles Kushner's prison sentence?

He was sentenced to two years in federal prison in 2005. He served 14 months at Federal Prison Camp Montgomery in Alabama before being transferred to a halfway house in Newark to finish his sentence. He was released on August 25, 2006. He also paid $508,900 to the FEC.[2]



Q: Who is Charles Kushner?

Kushner is a real estate developer who founded Kushner Companies in 1985. The son of Holocaust survivors, he built his father's portfolio of 4,000 apartments into a major real estate empire with over 25,000 units. He's the father of Jared Kushner, who married Ivanka Trump. In 2025, he became U.S. Ambassador to France.[5]



Q: Who prosecuted Charles Kushner?

Chris Christie, then U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, prosecuted the case. He later became Governor and ran for president. Christie has said Jared Kushner later arranged his removal from Trump's 2016 transition team as revenge. Christie has repeatedly called the witness tampering scheme "one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes" he prosecuted.[4]


See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 NPR, "Trump Pardons Roger Stone, Paul Manafort And Charles Kushner," December 2020, https://www.npr.org/2020/12/23/949820820/trump-pardons-roger-stone-paul-manafort-and-charles-kushner
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Chicago Tribune, "Trump pardoned his son-in-law's dad. Here's what Charles Kushner did," December 2020, https://www.chicagotribune.com/2020/12/24/trump-pardoned-his-son-in-laws-dad-heres-what-charles-kushner-did/
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 CNN, "Chris Christie: Jared Kushner's father committed 'one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes,'" January 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/30/politics/chris-christie-jared-kushner-father/index.html
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Washington Post, "Chris Christie rips Kushner's dad: 'One of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted,'" January 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2019/01/30/chris-christie-rips-kushners-dad-one-most-loathsome-disgusting-crimes-that-i-prosecuted/
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 NBC News, "Trump picks Jared Kushner's father, Charles Kushner, for ambassador to France," November 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-picks-jared-kushners-father-charles-kushner-ambassador-france-rcna182298



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