Donald Trump has appointed Charles Kushner, his son-in-law’s father, to be the US ambassador to France.

The president-elect, 78, pardoned Mr Kushner, who in 2006 served a prison sentence for tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign donations, at the end of his first administration.

Chris Christie, a former New Jersey governor, described Mr Kushner’s case as “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes” he ever prosecuted as a US attorney.

Announcing the appointment, Mr Trump said the property developer, 70, was a “tremendous business leader, philanthropist and dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our country and its interests”.

He referenced Mr Kushner’s son, Jared, his former White House adviser, but did not mention that he is married to his daughter Ivanka.