France & Denmark Summon U.S. Diplomats; Australia Expels Iranian Ambassador 

Ambassador Kushner is our U.S. government representative in France and is doing a great job advancing our national interests in that role.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott, after France summoned U.S. ambassador Jared Kushner over an open letter criticizing the country for failing to protect its Jewish citizens.

Why It Matters: In just three days, three ambassadors were summoned by France, Australia, and Denmark – each over separate disputes touching on antisemitism, foreign interference, and security threats. Summoning an ambassador is considered “a formal and public notice of displeasure.” (AP) 

• France announced Sunday it would summon U.S. ambassador Jared Kushner in response to Kushner’s open letter accusing the country of failing to curb antisemitism. French officials rejected the claims and met with a representative for Kushner on Monday. 

• On Tuesday, Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador and withdrew its own diplomats from Iran after an intelligence report accused Iran of orchestrating two arson attacks — one targeting a kosher food company and another a synagogue. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil.” Iran denied the accusations and has said it will respond in turn. 

• On Wednesday, Denmark summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen after a Danish news outlet reported that U.S. citizens have tried to influence opinion in Greenland, where President Trump has publicly expressed a desire in acquiring the territory as part of the U.S. No official orders regarding the “influence operations” have been identified. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said, “We are aware that foreign actors continue to show an interest in Greenland and its position in the Kingdom of Denmark. It is therefore not surprising if we experience outside attempts to influence the future of the Kingdom in the time ahead.” As of this writing, the White House has not commented. 

Learn More:  

• France summons US Ambassador Kushner over ‘unacceptable’ letter about rising antisemitism (AP) 
• Australia blames Iran for antisemitic arson attacks, expels envoy (Reuters) 
• Denmark summons US envoy over report on covert American ‘influence operations’ in Greenland (CNN)