Charles Kushner, a lifelong New Yorker and prominent real estate investor, announced plans to leave New York City for Florida, citing concerns over what he describes as antisemitism from Mayor Musa Mamdani and First Lady Rama Duwaji. Kushner, currently serving as the U.S. Ambassador to France and residing in Paris, emphasized his decision was rooted more in opposition to the mayor’s stance toward Jewish people and Israel than in reaction to his socialist policies.
Kushner criticized Mamdani for declining to participate in the annual Israel Day Parade, for calling to have former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested as a war criminal, and for engaging with Columbia University protesters who allegedly celebrated Hamas. He also accused Duwaji of appearing to condone the attacks carried out on October 7. “I don’t think you can reason with people that celebrate brutality on October 7th and say it was a hoax,” Kushner said, describing such views as unacceptable despite respecting differing political opinions.
Beyond concerns over antisemitism, Kushner highlighted Mamdani’s rhetoric toward wealthy individuals as indicative of broader resentment against successful businesspeople. He pointed to a viral video in which Mamdani criticized billionaire hedge funder Ken Griffin for owning New York real estate while not residing in the city full-time, framing Griffin as emblematic of elite wealth disconnected from local communities. Kushner defended Griffin’s success, saying, “He took a lot of risk to earn all that money. That’s what America’s about.”
Although Kushner plans to establish residency in Florida, he intends to keep his New York apartment and pay the newly implemented pied-à-terre tax on secondary residences. He expressed hope that New York City’s vitality would endure despite what he views as harmful leadership. “I think there’s a lot of people like me that love New York City,” Kushner said, adding that while he commits to supporting the city financially, he fears Mamdani could be detrimental to its future. “If one person could ruin it or bring it down, it’s this mayor,” he remarked.
Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a major family-owned real estate firm. In 2004, he pleaded guilty to charges of tax evasion, witness tampering, and illegal campaign contributions but was later pardoned by President Donald Trump. His eldest son, Jared Kushner, served as a senior adviser in the Trump White House and is married to the former president’s daughter.