Reuters — The United States is considering delaying, or even blocking, President Emmanuel Macron’s choice for France’s next ambassador to Washington following public French criticism of the US human rights record, according to four sources.

In a social media post on Saturday, France’s mission to the United Nations in Geneva criticized Washington for joining Israel, Russia, North Korea, and other countries in voting against a proposal to extend the mandate of Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief, for another four years.

Turk is an outspoken critic of Israel’s conduct in Gaza who has also called for investigations into deaths in US immigration custody.

“The US used to be a beacon of human rights. Not anymore,” the French mission wrote. “The world no longer listens to it.”

While the sources said no decision has yet been taken, two said France’s criticism had sparked genuine anger among some senior officials in US President Donald Trump’s administration. Two other sources said officials were hoping to deescalate tensions with France.

“The United States is very disappointed in the irresponsible and disrespectful rhetoric from the French,” a State Department official said. “We are responding appropriately to their comments.”

One of the sources said the post had been reviewed and approved through official channels, dismissing suggestions that it was the work of a junior staffer acting independently.

A US move to delay or reject Macron’s nominee would be highly unusual and could widen the fissure between the allies, who have recently clashed over tariffs and the Iran war.

Macron has filed the relevant paperwork for Aurélien Lechevallier, a former Elysee aide who is currently Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot’s chief of staff, to become France’s next ambassador to Washington. France........

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