President Trump has defended his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, following the release of an audio recording. The recording reportedly depicts Witkoff advising a Russian official on how to present Moscow's terms for ending the conflict in Ukraine to the U.S. president.
Trump characterized the interaction as "a standard thing" and typical of a "dealmaker" during comments made aboard Air Force One.
Context of the Leaked Call
The recording, which Bloomberg reviewed and published a transcript of, is from an October call preceding the announcement of an initial 28-point plan to end the war. This plan reportedly favored Russia. NPR has not independently verified the audio or transcript.
Trump stated he had not heard the audio but did not dispute its characterization, describing it as "a very standard form of negotiation."
Criticism regarding Witkoff's role has focused on concerns that his actions may suggest a lack of impartiality, given Russia's status as an adversary and aggressor in the conflict with Ukraine, a U.S. strategic partner. Despite these concerns, Trump plans to send Witkoff back to Moscow to finalize details of the latest plan with President Putin.
Witkoff's Background and Relationship with Trump
Witkoff and Trump have maintained a friendship for nearly 40 years. Trump has referred to Witkoff as "a special guy" and "my pal." Their relationship originated from an encounter in a New York deli.
Witkoff has publicly credited Trump with teaching him the real estate business. He also provided support to Trump during personal difficulties, including the death of Witkoff's son in 2011.
During Trump's campaign, Witkoff assisted with fundraising and handled assignments such as attempting to mend relations with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and former presidential primary challenger Nikki Haley.
Previous Roles and Negotiation Approach
Prior to his current role, Trump appointed Witkoff as his envoy to the Middle East, a position held by his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, during Trump's first term. Both Witkoff and Kushner have backgrounds in real estate and faced initial questions regarding their diplomatic experience.
The White House describes Witkoff as a trusted friend serving without salary or travel reimbursement.
Witkoff has discussed his negotiation approach, stating that he "always trying to put myself in the shoes of the other person because a good deal has to work fair for everybody." He also characterized Putin as "not a bad guy" in a podcast appearance.
Real estate entrepreneur Don Peebles, who has negotiated with Witkoff, described his approach as identifying what the other side desires and attempting to provide it.
Challenges in Ukraine Diplomacy
Experts suggest that resolving the conflict in Ukraine presents complexities beyond typical real estate transactions.
Aaron David Miller, a former negotiator and analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, stated that successful deals require urgency, which is influenced by the pain experienced by parties and prospects for immediate gain. He indicated that mediators need to employ both incentives and disincentives.
Miller expressed skepticism regarding Putin's readiness to make the necessary concessions for a resolution to be reached.