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Steve Witkoff

Real-estate developer and U.S. special envoy for peace missions

Personal / institutional details

Full name
Steven Charles Witkoff
Born
March 15, 1957
Career
Attorney and New York real-estate developer; Witkoff Group founder
Office
U.S. special envoy for peace missions in the Trump administration

Steve Witkoff is an American real-estate investor and longtime acquaintance of Donald Trump. He has served as a U.S. special envoy with assignments involving Middle East, Ukraine and Iran diplomacy.

Business background

Witkoff worked in New York real estate and built the Witkoff Group. His relationship with Trump originated in their overlapping New York business circles, and the president selected him for high-profile diplomatic assignments.

Work with Jared Kushner

Reuters reported that Kushner advised Witkoff on Middle East strategy as the second Trump administration began. The White House later named them both to the Board of Peace and its Gaza executive board in January 2026. Reuters also described them participating in concurrent negotiations involving Iran and Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Institutional scope

Witkoff’s role is an appointed diplomatic function. It should not be conflated with the statutory State Department secretary or the foreign policy power of independently elected officials. Negotiation participation does not prove successful agreements or private financial benefits.

References

  1. https://kelo.com/2025/01/15/jared-kushner-advises-from-afar-as-ivanka-trump-opts-out-of-role-in-fathers-second-term/
  2. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2026/01/statement-on-president-trumps-comprehensive-plan-to-end-the-gaza-conflict/
  3. https://www.investing.com/news/world-news/analysisus-envoys-juggle-two-crisis-talks-raising-questions-about-prospects-for-success-4509780

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Documented connections

These are specifically described relationships in public records. A shared institution, appointment or event does not by itself demonstrate coordination or wrongdoing.