Trump Stands by Long-Time Friend Steve Witkoff Amid Controversy Over Ukraine Peace Talks
In a recent turn of events, President Donald Trump has come out in defense of his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, following a leaked recording that raised eyebrows over his involvement in the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations. The recording purportedly captures Witkoff advising a Russian official on how to present Moscow’s peace terms to the U.S. president.
Trump, dismissing the uproar, labeled the situation as “a standard thing,” emphasizing the role of a negotiator. “Because he’s got to sell this to Ukraine. He’s got to sell Ukraine to Russia,” Trump remarked while on Air Force One en route to Florida. “That’s what a dealmaker does.”
The incident has brought renewed attention to Witkoff, Trump’s confidant and principal negotiator, who has faced criticism for both his lack of diplomatic experience and his independent approach.
The recording, which dates back to October, precedes the unveiling of a 28-point plan aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict, a plan perceived to favor Russian interests. While Bloomberg reviewed the call’s audio and released a transcript, NPR has yet to verify its authenticity.
Despite not listening to the audio, Trump seemed unperturbed by the call’s characterization. He stated, “You got to say, ‘look, they want this. You’ve got to convince them with this. You know, that’s a very standard form of negotiation.”
Critics argue that Witkoff is leaning towards a pro-Russian stance, disregarding a balanced negotiation for Ukraine, a key U.S. ally. Nonetheless, Trump remains supportive, planning to send Witkoff back to Moscow for further discussions with Putin.
A Friendship Forged Over Decades
Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump have shared a bond spanning nearly four decades. It all began with an impromptu meeting at a New York deli in the early hours, where Witkoff treated Trump to a ham and swiss sandwich. Trump fondly refers to Witkoff as “a special guy” and “my pal.”
Witkoff attributes his real estate knowledge to Trump, sharing in an interview with Tucker Carlson, “I wanted to be him. Everybody wanted to be him.” His admiration for Trump’s style was evident during his early days as a lawyer at 101 Park Avenue.
Trump’s support for Witkoff was palpable during challenging times, such as the death of Witkoff’s son due to an opioid overdose in 2011. Witkoff recounted at the Republican National Convention how Trump’s presence provided comfort during their family’s darkest hours.
Throughout Trump’s campaign, Witkoff played a crucial role in fundraising and mending relationships, including smoothing ties with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Nikki Haley, as highlighted by Haley on her podcast.
Witkoff’s Diplomatic Role
Before tackling the Ukraine peace initiative, Trump chose Witkoff as his envoy to the Middle East, a role previously held by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Kushner, with his real estate background, managed various high-stakes tasks for Trump, including Middle East peace and COVID-19 response.
Despite initial skepticism over Kushner’s experience, similar doubts now surround Witkoff’s appointment. However, the White House maintains that Witkoff is a devoted friend of Trump, having left a successful business career to serve the nation without compensation, funding his own travel.
Witkoff’s Negotiation Tactics
Witkoff’s approach to negotiations has not been without controversy, particularly regarding his stance on Russia. During a conversation on Tucker Carlson’s podcast, Witkoff stirred debate by characterizing Putin as “not a bad guy.”
He elaborated on his negotiation philosophy, stating, “There’s no doubt I’m always trying to put myself in the shoes of the other person because a good deal has to work fair for everybody.” Real estate mogul Don Peebles, who has engaged in talks with Witkoff, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging Witkoff’s ability to understand the opposing side’s desires.
Peebles recollects a challenging real estate transaction where Witkoff’s diplomacy transformed a contentious situation into a successful partnership, forging a friendship between them.
The Complexity of Ukraine Negotiations
While Witkoff has demonstrated adept negotiation skills in the real estate realm, resolving the Ukraine conflict presents a far more complicated challenge.
Aaron David Miller, a veteran negotiator from both Republican and Democratic administrations, opines that even seasoned diplomats like Henry Kissinger would struggle to sway Putin. “Deals are cut when there is urgency,” Miller explained, underscoring the need for a mediator capable of leveraging both incentives and pressures.
Miller remains skeptical of Putin’s willingness to compromise, stating, “I just don’t see Putin ready to make the kinds of concessions that would be required to anchor this thing and make it work.”
