Steven C. Witkoff (b. 1957, New York, USA) is an American businessman, real estate developer, and diplomat, best known for his special representative roles on critical international files such as Middle East, Gaza, Russia–Ukraine War, and Iran nuclear negotiations, where he has served as one of President Donald Trump’s most trusted advisors.

Early Life and Education

Steven Charles Witkoff was born in 1957 in the Bronx neighborhood of New York City and raised on Long Island. He began his academic career at Hofstra University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He later graduated from Hofstra Law School with a Doctor of Law degree.

Witkoff began his career as a lawyer specializing in real estate law, working at New York-based law firms Dreyer & Traub and Rosenman & Colin. During this period, he represented numerous major real estate developers and investors, gaining deep insight into the industry’s dynamics. In 1985, he partnered with former colleague Larry Gluck to found Stellar Management, transitioning into direct investment by acquiring and repositioning a series of residential and office buildings in New York.^【1】

In 1997, Steven Witkoff established the Witkoff Group under his own name and quickly transformed it into a globally recognized real estate firm. The company has delivered over seventy projects in major centers including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Notable properties in Witkoff’s portfolio include the historic Woolworth Building in Manhattan, the Park Lane Hotel, 111 Murray Street, and 150 Charles Street.^【2】

Net Worth and Position in the Business World

As of 2026, Steven Witkoff’s personal net worth is estimated at approximately $2 billion.^【3】 A member of the Forbes Billionaires List, Witkoff is also recognized as a leading voice in the industry, serving as Chairman of the Real Estate Advisory Board at the University of Miami’s Business School and as a Trustee of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.^【4】

Relationship with Donald Trump

The relationship between Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump began in the 1980s within Manhattan’s New York real estate market. Both men were actively involved in luxury residential, hotel, and commercial development projects during this period and met through overlapping professional circles.^【5】 This initial acquaintance evolved beyond a mere business relationship into a long-standing personal friendship.

Witkoff emerged as one of the few business figures whom Trump closely followed and came to trust over time. Their bond strengthened particularly during periods of crisis; as many of Trump’s political allies and donors distanced themselves following his loss in the 2020 presidential election, Witkoff remained steadfastly by his side.^【6】

During Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, Witkoff did not assume an official political position but remained within the president’s inner circle, maintaining direct contact with campaign managers and senior advisors.^【7】 His ties with the Trump family also deepened, particularly with Donald Trump Jr., with whom he developed a close friendship. Trump Jr. publicly described Witkoff as “not only one of the most extraordinary businesspeople of this generation but also one of the most honest people you could ever know.”^【8】

With the start of Trump's second presidential term, this personal trust translated into formal appointments. In November 2024, Witkoff was appointed Special Representative for the Middle East, a choice that drew attention in Washington due to his lack of conventional diplomatic credentials. In announcing the appointment, Trump described Witkoff as “an unwavering voice for peace.”^【9】

Trump’s confidence in Witkoff quickly led to an expansion of his responsibilities. In January 2025, following his performance during Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Witkoff was assigned the additional role of Special Representative for Peace Missions in July 2025.^【10】 This expanded mandate brought the Russia–Ukraine War and Iran nuclear negotiations directly under his purview.

Witkoff works in near-daily contact with Trump and is among the rare individuals with direct access to the Oval Office. According to White House sources, Trump frequently turns to Witkoff’s assessments over those of traditional institutions and treats him as a representative authorized to speak on his behalf.^【11】

Diplomatic Roles

Despite having no formal diplomatic background, Witkoff has become one of the most powerful figures in the Trump administration. Operating in strategic areas typically reserved for the Secretary of State or CIA Director, Witkoff enjoys direct access to the Oval Office due to his decades-long personal friendship with Trump. This role has been compared to the central position held by Jared Kushner during Trump’s first term. Witkoff, who travels the world on his private jet and receives no salary from the government, operates under the identity of an “outsider dealmaker.”^【12】

Special Representative for the Middle East

In November 2024, Steve Witkoff was appointed by Donald Trump as the United States Special Representative for the Middle East. This appointment was made despite Witkoff’s complete lack of experience in foreign affairs or public diplomacy, grounded instead in Trump’s long-standing personal trust in him.

Upon assuming office, Witkoff took an active role in mediating the conflict along the Israel–Hamas front and in securing the ceasefire in Gaza. In January 2025, he served as the primary on-the-ground representative for Trump during negotiations leading to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

During this period, he maintained close contact with Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, coordinating diplomatic efforts with these mediator nations.

Special Representative for Peace Missions

In July 2025, Witkoff’s responsibilities were expanded, and he was appointed Special Representative for Peace Missions. With this new authority, he assumed direct responsibility not only for the Middle East but also for other global crisis portfolios. In this capacity, Witkoff has served as the Trump administration’s chief negotiator in talks aimed at ending the Russia–Ukraine War, in nuclear negotiations with Iran, and in implementing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire.

Russia–Ukraine Negotiations

Witkoff has become one of the few individuals to engage directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior Kremlin officials. His visits to Moscow and discussions with Putin’s foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov have formed a significant part of U.S.–Russia diplomatic engagement.

During a five-hour meeting at the Kremlin, long-term and peaceful solutions to the Ukraine crisis were explored. According to Russian sources, the talks were conducted in a constructive and informative atmosphere, with both sides focusing on a framework for a lasting resolution rather than short-term ceasefire measures.

Rather than addressing each of the previously submitted U.S. documents point by point, the discussions centered on the overall approach and fundamental principles of those proposals. While limited areas of agreement emerged on certain issues, significant differences persisted on critical matters, particularly regarding territorial questions. Kremlin sources emphasized that while some elements of the American proposals were “open to discussion,” certain formulations were deemed unacceptable by Russia.^【13】

In addition to the 27-point document presented by the United States, four additional documents were submitted, indicating that the negotiation process was being advanced through alternative scenarios rather than a single unified plan.^【14】

Another key point highlighted by Ushakov was the mutual agreement between the parties not to disclose the content of the negotiations to the public. Simultaneously, the exchange of political messages aimed at building trust between Washington and Moscow demonstrated that communication channels remained open and were not severed.

Iran Nuclear Negotiations

Witkoff’s portfolio later expanded to include nuclear negotiations with Iran. He represented the United States in talks held in Rome, a move widely interpreted as evidence that the Trump administration was handling the Iran file through its special representative model rather than traditional diplomatic channels.^【15】

In Witkoff’s engagements, discussions extended beyond merely limiting nuclear activities to include uranium enrichment levels, ballistic missile capacity, oversight of Iran’s nuclear material stockpiles, and Tehran’s network of regional proxy forces.^【16】

Another prominent feature in Witkoff’s approach is the simultaneous pursuit of deterrence and diplomacy. While the Trump administration explicitly kept military options on the table, it consistently signaled that diplomatic solutions remained the priority.^【17】

Following reports of mass executions of Iranian protesters, the U.S. administration publicly confirmed that direct contact had been established with Iranian officials and that the execution process had been halted.^【18】

Model of Authority and Scope of Responsibility

Witkoff’s diplomatic functions operate under a model distinct from traditional ambassadorships or State Department structures. According to White House sources, Witkoff receives no salary from the U.S. government. He conducts official travel on his private jet and reports directly to President Trump during his missions.

Gaza Ceasefire and the 20-Point Plan

On January 14, 2026, Witkoff, acting on behalf of President Donald Trump, announced the launch of the second phase of the 20-point peace plan. The cornerstone of this phase is the establishment of the Palestinian Technocratic Committee (National Committee for Gaza Governance), led by Dr. Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath, to assume administrative control of Gaza Strip.^【19】

The second phase of the plan aims to strengthen the ceasefire, fully disarm the region, and initiate a reconstruction process under civilian governance. Mediator countries including Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar welcomed the establishment of this committee and issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to reinforcing stability in Gaza.^【20】