Donald Trump has dispatched a collection of billionaire donors, family connections, and convicted felons as ambassadors to Europe’s most important capitals, transforming American diplomacy into what one EU diplomat called a parade of “Maga disciples.”
The Convicted Billionaire Leading the Charge
Charles Kushner, father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared, serves as ambassador to France despite his 2005 conviction for tax evasion and witness tampering. The real estate magnate, worth $3.2 billion, hired a sex worker to seduce his own brother-in-law who was testifying against him. After serving two years in prison and receiving a Trump pardon, Kushner showed his gratitude with a $1 million donation to Trump’s Super PAC.
Rather than focus on traditional diplomacy, Kushner has openly criticized French President Emmanuel Macron’s handling of antisemitism and met with Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party. French officials acknowledge he’s effectively doing Trump’s bidding, noting his decades-long relationship with the president makes him unlikely to question his controversial mandate.
U.S. Ambassador to France. In 2005, Christopher Kushner was convicted of tax evasion and witness tampering. He spent 14 months in federal prison and resumed his real estate career after his release (pardoned by Donald Trump). His son, Jared Kushner, is married to Ivanka Trump. https://t.co/v3t3g4vp0P pic.twitter.com/ypXnRGWVvT
— Michael Linder (@michaellinder) December 14, 2025
Fast Food Executive Challenges European Identity
Andrew Puzder, former CEO of the company behind Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. burger chains, now serves as ambassador to the European Union. He recently defended Trump’s security strategy claiming non-EU immigration causes “a decline in cultural values” and questioning how much sovereignty EU member states surrendered for economic union membership.
Puzder’s comments reflect the administration’s broader strategy outlined in December’s security document, which claims Europe faces imminent cultural collapse as migration makes parts of it “majority non-European.” This aggressive rhetoric represents a dramatic departure from traditional diplomatic norms between allies.
Billionaire Sports Owner and Broadway Producer
Tilman Fertitta, worth an estimated $10.7 billion and owner of the Houston Rockets basketball team, represents American interests in Rome. The casino and restaurant magnate has conducted business with Trump for decades, with the president once calling him his “twin.” Fertitta recently launched a 384-foot megayacht complete with two helipads and pools while serving in his diplomatic role.
Meanwhile, Stacey Feinberg serves as ambassador to Luxembourg. The Broadway producer, entrepreneur, and Republican donor recently declared Trump “the greatest US president since George Washington.” Her appointment continues the pattern of rewarding loyalty and financial support rather than diplomatic expertise or experience.
Let’s dig into Jared Kushner’s dad, Charles Kushner. pic.twitter.com/bDqDwf9GnZ
— WULF (@DerWulf) October 28, 2025
Greenland Ambitions and Greek Controversies
Ken Howery, PayPal co-founder, faces the delicate task of convincing Denmark that American “ownership and control” of Greenland represents “an absolute necessity.” His charm offensive in Copenhagen follows visits by Donald Trump Jr. and an alleged US influence campaign that prompted Denmark to summon American diplomats in protest.
Kimberly Guilfoyle, Trump Jr.’s former fiancée and ex-Fox News host, arrived in Athens amid considerable fanfare. She immediately crossed diplomatic red lines by openly criticizing China’s influence in Greece’s Piraeus port and joking about finding a new husband during her assignment. Greek officials report receiving up to 300 daily invitations since her arrival, with some expressing embarrassment at male politicians’ eager responses to her presence. Her transactional approach and blunt style mirror Trump’s own diplomatic methods, raising concerns about potential manufactured incidents to justify American intervention in regional disputes.