Trump Sends NY Real Estate Dealmaker to Address Global Crises

When U.S. President Donald Trump wanted to initiate talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to explore a potential resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, he did not rely on his secretary of state or a seasoned diplomat. Instead, Trump chose to send Steve Witkoff, a billionaire real estate developer and long-time personal friend, to Moscow to handle this critical geopolitical challenge.

Witkoff, who has no formal diplomatic background, was appointed by Trump as his Middle East envoy. However, his recent role saw him playing a key part in discussions related to the prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia, an agreement viewed as a possible signal of thawing relations between the two countries. Trump described Witkoff’s trip to Moscow, where he spent hours engaging with Putin, as an important step toward opening up dialogues between the U.S. and Russia.

In addition to his involvement in the Russia-related discussions, Witkoff also had a hand in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This agreement, which gained international attention, was credited to both Trump and Biden for their contributions. While Witkoff was not officially in his role as Middle East envoy at the time, he took action by meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv before the ceasefire was negotiated in Qatar. Witkoff’s collaboration with Brett McGurk, the Biden administration’s envoy, was noted as a “close partnership” by McGurk himself.

Now, Witkoff is heading back to the Middle East, specifically to Saudi Arabia, where U.S. and Russian officials will hold face-to-face talks about the war in Ukraine. This follows a phone call between Trump and Putin. Witkoff will be accompanied by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. However, the absence of Ukraine and several European nations from the meeting has sparked concerns among Western allies, fearing that key players may be sidelined in this critical moment of diplomacy.

Witkoff, often referred to as “the man in the room” by U.S. media, has increasingly emerged as a central figure in high-level negotiations, despite his lack of official diplomatic credentials. The businessman’s close relationship with Trump has elevated him to a position where he is trusted to handle significant international discussions. Trump has frequently praised Witkoff as one of the world’s great dealmakers, highlighting his unrelenting drive for peace. Witkoff’s approach to negotiations involves a mix of charm and pressure, depending on the situation, according to his colleagues.

A native of Long Island, New York, Witkoff made his fortune in real estate, navigating the competitive and high-stakes markets of New York and Florida. A long-time supporter of the Republican Party, Witkoff’s relationship with Trump spans decades. The two men share a personal bond, often enjoying golfing together, which has contributed to the closeness of their partnership. Witkoff has referred to Trump as a “true and dear friend,” and the two have supported each other through various challenges.

Their friendship was especially evident during a speech at the Republican National Convention, where Witkoff shared his personal connection with Trump and his unwavering loyalty. Their bond extends beyond business, with Witkoff also playing a role in smoothing over political tensions within the Republican Party. During Trump’s 2024 campaign, Witkoff helped ease tensions between Trump and figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, both of whom had been critical of Trump.

In his capacity as Middle East envoy, Witkoff’s remit extends to dealing with Iran and leading efforts to negotiate a nuclear deal. He is seen as a crucial part of Trump’s broader strategy to reduce conflicts in the Middle East. This role includes a focus on bringing peace to the region and addressing the root causes of regional instability.

Despite his background in real estate rather than diplomacy, Witkoff has become an influential figure in U.S. foreign policy, largely due to his strong ties with Trump. He is currently the chairman of the University of Miami’s business school real estate advisory board and was appointed by Trump to serve on the board of trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. As the “man in the room” for these consequential talks, Witkoff continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of U.S. foreign relations under Trump’s leadership.