US mulls blocking France’s DC ambassador pick over social media spat – sources

The United States is considering delaying or blocking France's ambassadorial pick to Washington, Aurélien Lechevallier, following French criticism of the US human rights record. France's UN mission in Geneva posted on social media that "The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore," after the US voted against extending the mandate of UN human rights chief Volker Turk. US officials expressed disappointment, calling the rhetoric "irresponsible and disrespectful." This incident exacerbates existing tensions between the allies, who have recently clashed over tariffs and the Iran war, and follows earlier French objections to perceived US interference in European electoral processes.