Unofficial Foreign Policy Advisor: Exploring Steve Witkoff's Prominent Role in Trump's Diplomatic Pursuits
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Steve Witkoff, a New York real estate tycoon, has become a key player in President Trump's diplomatic dance, shuttling between global hotspots in record time. With Witkoff's private jet crisscrossing continents, his influence in the administration has grown significantly, as he's found himself gravitating towards issues that few others dare to touch.
The last month alone has seen him jetting off from Abu Dhabi to Doha, Moscow, and Baku, before touching down in Florida to brief the President. His globe-trotting has escalated, venturing beyond his initial job description as it becomes increasingly clear that he holds an unusual degree of trust from the President.
Recent weeks have seen no signs of letting up. Witkoff has been huddled with Ukrainians and Europeans in Paris, discussing an end to the Ukraine War. Following that, he's set to head to Rome for another round of talks with Iran, aiming to pave the way for a potential nuclear deal. In just three short months, Witkoff has catsapulted into the limelight, tackling some of the most pressing foreign policy challenges the new administration faces, often encroaching on territory typically reserved for Secretaries of State and CIA Directors.
This shift hasn't gone unnoticed in Washington and abroad, raising eyebrows over how Trump views the other seasoned foreign policy players on his team. One longtime U.S. official, speaking anonymously, highlights that, "Doing this shuttle diplomacy without a single expert is definitely unusual. I really can't explain that. It's odd and it's not ideal."
While results have been mixed, Witkoff has struggled to revive the truce in Gaza that collapsed last month. His efforts in Ukraine have yet to bear fruit, with Putin rejecting the US-called ceasefire over a month ago. Adding to the pressure, Iran's Foreign Minister has labeled Witkoff's shifting stance on their nuclear program as "contradictory and conflicting."
On the Ukraine front, frustration is mounting. Speaking to reporters, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that if progress isn't made soon, the US may abandon peace efforts. "If it is not possible to end the war in Ukraine, we need to move on," Rubio stated, emphasizing the need for action within days.
Comparisons to Kushner
Much like Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner during Trump's first term, Witkoff occupies a unique position in the President's second term, enjoying unprecedented access and influence. Similar to Kushner, Witkoff shares a close bond with Trump, meet frequently, maintains connections with the Trump family, and boasts a longer leash than most within the Trump administration. This operational freedom, however, has occasionally sparked internal chaos, such as when Witkoff books himself for TV interviews without going through the usual channels.
As Witkoff's responsibilities have expanded - from handling Gaza talks, to adding Russia, and now leading on Iran - he has come to rely on a close-knit team at the White House and has become a regular consumer of US intelligence. Interestingly, Witkoff operates with a different dynamic, carrying on his own West Wing office—formerly occupied by Ivanka Trump—to be closer to the President. Meanwhile, his team at the State Department works out of an area last utilized by John Kerry when he served as President Biden's climate envoy.
An Outsider and Deal Maker
Witkoff's intimate relationship with the President lends him immense clout when engaging with foreign diplomats. Foreign officials in Washington appraise him as, "We know he is talking for Trump, so conversations with him are extremely valuable." A Middle Eastern official lauds Witkoff as a "smart negotiator," but acknowledges that he's still on a learning curve.
In a statement to CNN, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed unwavering support for Witkoff, praising his efforts in advancing national interests both at home and abroad. Skepticism, however, remains over whether Witkoff will be able to deliver the major agreements needed to resolve conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, or Iran, particularly when it comes to negotiating complex technical details.
In private, some career U.S. and European diplomats voice doubts about Witkoff's ability to close deals and deliver final agreements. With Witkoff echoing some Russian talking points in his negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Witkoff unwittingly or deliberately disseminates Russian narratives.
Despite the controversial alignment and criticism of his lack of experience, Witkoff maintains a self-assured stance, contending that his business background positions him well to handle the challenges ahead. Cheung, the White House Communications Director, insists that Witkoff has no ulterior motives and that an outsider like him is exactly what's needed for these negotiations. Sen. Bernie Moreno, an Ohio Republican, echoes this sentiment, arguing that an outsider with an unorthodox approach is just what's needed to break the conventional mold.
A Trusted Member of Trump's Inner Circle
According to Trump, Witkoff is his ultimate deal maker, sharing a similar approach to business as developers that allows them to connect with foreign leaders effectively. This shared bond helped secure Witkoff his instrumental role in the administration, initially tasked with the Middle East portfolio thanks to his existing connections to leaders like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu[1][3]. Trump's satisfaction with Witkoff's work on the initial ceasefire and hostage agreement in the final days of the Biden administration led to Witkoff being appointed as the chief negotiator for talks between Russia and Ukraine[1].
When preparing for his overseas engagements, Witkoff prefers a lean briefing, relying on his daily communications with the President, impromptu meetings, interactions with members of Trump's National Security Council, and regular intelligence briefings as the primary sources of his preparation[2]. Witkoff never asks for extensive departmental briefings, setting himself apart from traditional diplomatic protocol.
Friends and allies close to the Trump family applaud Witkoff for being the ultimate loyalist, forging an inseparable bond with the President through thick and thin. Donald Trump Jr., a key advocate for Witkoff's role in his father's administration, praises Witkoff's integrity and unwavering support, emphasizing that he stood by Trump in the tough times.
As Witkoff continues to flex his diplomatic muscle, questions about his suitability for the role and the implications of his unorthodox methods and messaging persist. Whether his unique approach will lead to successful negotiations or drive the administration away from conventional diplomacy remains to be seen.
This story has been updated with additional developments.
CNN's Jennifer Hansler and Avery Schmitz contributed to this report.
Enrichment Data Summary:
Steve Witkoff, a close friend and business associate of President Trump, has become a key player in the administration's diplomatic efforts, handling delicate talks with global leaders and tackling complex foreign policy challenges. His unconventional approach and lack of formal diplomatic training have raised concerns among some career diplomats, who question his ability to deliver successful agreements. Witkoff's influence and close ties to the President, however, ensure that he remains a powerhouse in shaping the administration's international dealings.
- Steve Witkoff, despite lacking traditional diplomatic training, has become a prominent figure in the White House's dealings with global leaders, demonstrating a knack for politics reminiscent of casino-and-gambling strategies.
- As Witkoff's influence grows, questions over the benefits and implications of his unorthodox methods, such as resurrecting truces and engaging in war-and-conflicts negotiations, continue to be raised.
- General news reporting on Witkoff's overseas trips clarifies that he often bypasses formal briefings for briefings from the President and members of the National Security Council, instead relying on impromptu meetings and communications.
- Reports indicate that Witkoff's close personal relationship with President Trump has led to his involvement in key diplomatic issues, such as the Ukraine War, Gaza truce, and nuclear deal negotiations with Iran, encroaching on territory typically reserved for Secretaries of State and CIA Directors.
- Critics question whether Witkoff's approach to foreign policy challenges, particularly his propensity for business-like briefings and his stark witkoff in crime-and-justice and sports contexts, may be detrimental to the administration's diplomatic efforts.
- Despite skepticism, Witkoff remains unfazed, confident that his business background and deep friendship with President Trump position him perfectly to navigate political landscapes and pursue benefits for the nation.
