Steve Witkoff, a Jewish real estate mogul and philanthropist, has emerged as a significant player in global diplomacy, tasked with brokering peace in two of the world’s most volatile regions: Ukraine and the Middle East.
But how did a man whose career was built on luxury properties and high-end developments become one of Donald Trump’s most trusted international envoys?
A real estate legacy and close ties with Trump
Witkoff, born and raised in the Bronx, New York, initially pursued a career in law before pivoting to real estate. He founded the Witkoff Group, a real estate firm known for luxury developments, including the Park Lane Hotel in New York and the iconic Woolworth Building. His rapid rise in the real estate industry made him one of New York’s most influential businessmen.
Witkoff’s relationship with Donald Trump dates back to the 1980s when they first met through the real estate industry. Their connection deepened, particularly through their shared love of golf.
Over the years, the two became close allies, with Witkoff emerging as a major donor to Trump’s presidential campaigns. It was Trump’s praise for Witkoff’s business acumen and his strong commitment to ‘Israel’ that ultimately led to Witkoff’s appointment as the US Special Envoy to the Middle East in 2024, despite his lack of formal diplomatic experience.
Brokering peace in the Middle East
Witkoff’s role as Special Envoy has been controversial. Critics argue that his real estate background, rather than a diplomatic one, makes him ill-equipped to handle the sensitive and complex issues at stake in the Middle East. Nonetheless, his appointment is part of Trump’s broader strategy to reshape US foreign policy in the region.
Witkoff has garnered praise for his ability to engage with Israeli leadership, even reportedly convincing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to break his observance of the Sabbath for an urgent meeting. While this was seen as a significant diplomatic achievement, it also highlighted Witkoff’s unorthodox approach to diplomacy, often blurring the lines between personal relationships and statecraft.
Some of Witkoff’s proposals have raised significant concerns. One of the most controversial was his suggestion to develop Gaza into a luxury resort, an idea that many critics considered tone-deaf given the region’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. Despite these critiques, Witkoff’s close ties to both Trump and Netanyahu have helped secure his influence in these high-stakes negotiations.
A key player in Ukraine
Witkoff’s diplomatic efforts are not confined to the Middle East. In 2024, he also played a role in mediating peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Witkoff engaged in multiple meetings with Russian officials and reportedly gained the trust of President Vladimir Putin.
Though his lack of experience in Eastern European politics raised questions, Witkoff’s financial resources and vast network have made him an influential figure on the global stage. His involvement in Ukraine has been met with skepticism, particularly given his business interests and his close ties to Trump.
Critics question whether his motivations are driven by personal gain or a genuine desire for peace. Nevertheless, Witkoff defends his role, stating that his pragmatic approach seeks stability and a return to normalcy in a region ravaged by conflict.
Personal relationships and the role of business in diplomacy
Witkoff’s rise to prominence underscores the increasing influence of personal relationships and financial backing in modern diplomacy. His strong connection to Trump, combined with his extensive business network, has granted him access to some of the most powerful political figures in the world. However, his lack of formal diplomatic training remains a source of concern for many observers.
