Trump’s Peace Envoy STRIKES AGAIN!
A real estate tycoon turned rookie diplomat just stunned Washington by brokering a hostage rescue and ceasefire that seasoned officials couldn’t deliver
At a Glance
Trump named developer Steve Witkoff Special Envoy to the Middle East
Witkoff helped negotiate an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release
Sworn in by Secretary of State Marco Rubio at White House
Witkoff met with Putin in St. Petersburg for Ukraine ceasefire talks
Trump declared “absolute confidence” in his longtime ally
From Real Estate Deals to Middle East Peace
Donald Trump’s latest diplomatic win didn’t come from Foggy Bottom—it came from a Manhattan high-rise.
In a move that left foreign policy veterans scrambling, real estate mogul Steve Witkoff—best known for luxury condos and hotel deals—secured a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the release of 33 hostages, including two Americans. President Trump named Witkoff as Special Envoy to the Middle East just weeks ago, a role formally announced in April after his swearing-in by Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a White House ceremony.
Trump’s unorthodox pick quickly silenced doubters by achieving what many seasoned diplomats could not. According to Fox News, the ceasefire deal also opened discussions around future arrangements for Gaza, although major obstacles remain.
Watch CBS News’ report on the incident at Steve Witkoff on Face the Nation.
Making Progress with Putin
Expanding his portfolio, Witkoff flew to St. Petersburg for closed-door talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. The meeting drew sharp reactions in Washington, but it may signal a rare thaw. Witkoff said discussions had narrowed significant points of contention, calling the tone “constructive.”
The Moscow Times confirmed that both U.S. and Russian technical teams are examining complex issues, including demilitarized zones, nuclear reactor oversight, and maritime access—terms Witkoff hopes can be mapped into a 30-day ceasefire draft.
Despite French President Emmanuel Macron expressing skepticism over Russia’s intentions, Witkoff told CBS that Trump and Putin, as their countries’ “ultimate decision makers,” may still find common ground.
Trump’s Confidence in His Dealmaker
President Trump has not wavered in his public support. In remarks last week, he called Witkoff “someone I’ve trusted every step of the way” and praised his “absolute confidence and support and trust” in the new envoy’s judgment and instincts.
Unlike traditional diplomats, Witkoff doesn’t shy away from talking relocation plans for Palestinians in Gaza or demilitarization requirements for Hamas—topics that would usually be cloaked in vague language. He told CBS’s Face the Nation that he’s exploring “all alternatives and options that lead to a better life for Gazans… and the people of Israel.”
Whether Witkoff’s efforts produce long-term results or hit geopolitical walls, his debut as a global negotiator has already made one thing clear: Donald Trump’s foreign policy, love it or hate it, is back—and it’s playing by New York rules.