Steve Witkoff

Announced as Trump’s nominee for Special Envoy to the Middle East

Steve Witkoff is a New York real estate executive who is a personal friend of, campaign contributor to, and a decades-long business partner of Donald Trump. On November 12, 2024, President-elect Trump nominated Witkoff for the diplomatic position of special envoy to the Middle East. Although Witkoff has conducted business with sovereign wealth funds of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Witkoff reportedly does not have any diplomatic experience. He will be expected to participate in negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leadership and leaders of other countries.

As special envoy to the Middle East, Witkoff may be negotiating on behalf of the United States with leaders of nations that are past, and potentially future, lenders to or buyers of Witkoff Group real estate projects. In 2023, Witkoff sold the New York City Park Lane Hotel to the Qatar Investment Authority for $623 million, and as of 2023, Qatar was the top foreign investor in New York City. It is not yet clear whether Witkoff will be stepping down as chairman and co-chief executive from his company.

Witkoff has been a recurring figure in Trump’s personal, business, and political spheres. In 2023, Witkoff testified at Trump’s New York civil fraud trial as an expert witness, backing up Trump’s claims about over and underestimated real estate values. In September 2024 Witkoff, Trump, Trump’s sons, and Witkoff’s son, launched the cryptocurrency platform World Liberty Financial (WLF). In November, an investor facing SEC fraud charges purchased $30 million of the WLF tokens, causing the reserve to be met, and joined WLF as an advisor.

Witkoff used the war in Gaza as an opportunity to raise money for the Trump campaign. After the disagreements arose between the Biden administration and Israel, Witkoff rallied donors for “six-figure and seven-figure donations” for the Trump campaign.