Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, was captured in the Oval Office earlier this month. He has been instrumental in negotiations concerning both the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Russian-Ukraine situation.
Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images
During a recent high-level meeting in Saudi Arabia addressing the Ukrainian conflict, one of the American representatives was Steve Witkoff.
A notable New York real estate entrepreneur and a longtime associate of President Trump, Witkoff had limited diplomatic experience prior to his appointment as special envoy to the Middle East ahead of Trump’s second term.
Recently, Witkoff has been recognized for his significant contribution to negotiating the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. He informed Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures that he had “extremely productive and constructive conversations” with officials from Israel, Qatar, and Egypt over the weekend regarding the next phase of the agreement.
In addition, his interests seem to be broadening beyond just the Middle East.
Last week, Witkoff became the first prominent U.S. official to visit Russia since the country’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He played a pivotal role in securing the release of American educator Marc Fogel, who had spent three and a half years in a Russian prison, and flew him back to the U.S. aboard his private jet. In return, the U.S. agreed to release a convicted Russian money launderer.
After the agreement was secured, Fogel expressed admiration for Witkoff, stating, “What an energetic individual he is. Upon meeting him, one could instantly sense his vibrant, proactive spirit.”
Here are some additional details about him.
Witkoff amassed his wealth in real estate
Born in the Bronx, Witkoff, 67, graduated from Hofstra University, where he practiced real estate law before founding the Witkoff Group, a real estate development and investment firm, in 1997. He continues to serve as its chairman.
“Since its inception, Mr. Witkoff has utilized his vast knowledge of real estate to effectively guide the financing, redevelopment, and construction of over 70 properties in major business hubs in the U.S. and internationally, with offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami,” his biography states.
Forbes placed Witkoff’s net worth at $1 billion in 2024.
Similar to Trump, Witkoff has also involved his children in his ventures: His son Alex serves as the CEO of the Witkoff Group, while his son Zach acts as the executive vice president of development. Zach welcomed a son in December 2024, naming him Don James after the president, representing the close relationship between their families.
During his speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention, Witkoff referred to Trump as “my dear friend” and praised his compassion.
“I stand before you tonight not only as a speaker or a fellow builder alongside the president in real estate, but as someone privileged to know President Donald J. Trump as a true and dear friend throughout many times of joy and sorrow,” he stated.
Witkoff shared that one of those difficult times was the 2011 passing of his son Andrew due to an opioid overdose, adding, “As always, Donald Trump was there.” Once he assumed office, the president invited Witkoff to address a 2018 White House opioid summit in tribute to his son’s memory.
At that summit, Trump referred to Witkoff as “a tremendously successful man” and “one of my great friends over the years.”
U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, positioned at the far left, participates in discussions with prominent figures, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Evelyn Hockstein/AP/Pool Reuters
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Evelyn Hockstein/AP/Pool Reuters
Witkoff’s long-standing friendship with Trump
Witkoff and Trump’s friendship blossomed after they collaborated on a deal in 1986; Witkoff recounted this during his testimony in Trump’s 2023 fraud trial.
They once dined at a deli in New York City, and at that time, Trump was short on cash.
“I ordered him a ham and Swiss,” Witkoff reminisced, as reported by Courthouse News.
Years later, Trump brought up “the sandwich incident,” and they have maintained their friendship ever since.
