Trump picks Charles Kushner for U.S. ambassador to France after earlier pardon

• Trump pardoned the real estate developer in 2020 after he pleaded guilty in 2004 to filing false tax returns, retaliating against a witness and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission, Axios reported.

The latest: In his administration announcement, Trump noted Charles Kushner's business acumen as founder of the real estate firm Kushner Companies and his service on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council and as commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

• "He is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests," the president-elect said.
• Trump has faced criticism for seemingly prioritizing loyalty and not necessarily experience in his picks for Cabinet and administration positions.

Catch up quick: Jared Kushner, who served as Trump's senior adviser during his first administration, said earlier this year in an interview at the Axios BFD that he plans to sit out a second Trump administration, opting instead to focus on work with his investment firm, Affinity Partners.

• Senate Democrats launched an investigation into the business this summer.

Go deeper:

• Axios BFD: Kushner says he's not looking to return to White House
• Trump pardons Paul Manafort, Roger Stone and Charles Kushner
• Trump builds his "central casting" Cabinet
• Trump picks linked to sexual misconduct allegations