Steve Witkoff is the Star of The Trump Admin and He’s Not Done Yet

In recent years, international diplomacy has seen a notable shift, with business leaders stepping into roles traditionally reserved for career diplomats. Steve Witkoff, a prominent real estate investor, exemplifies this transformation through his growing influence in the Trump administration’s foreign policy efforts. His appointment as U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East highlights how strategic dealmaking and business acumen can shape international relations in new and effective ways.

The Power of Pragmatism in Diplomacy

Witkoff’s rapid impact on U.S. foreign policy became evident in January 2025 when he played a pivotal role in brokering a major ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas. Working alongside veteran diplomat Brett McGurk and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, he helped negotiate a deal that had previously stalled for months. His ability to directly engage with Israeli leadership, backed by his personal ties to President Trump, enabled him to expedite an agreement that many thought impossible.

Unlike traditional diplomats who often operate within rigid bureaucratic structures, Witkoff approached negotiations with a results-oriented mindset. His direct involvement in overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire, including a visit to Gaza, signaled a hands-on leadership style that set him apart. By treating diplomacy as a high-stakes negotiation rather than a slow-moving government process, he brought a fresh and effective approach to resolving one of the region’s most complex conflicts.

Securing the Release of Hostages

Beyond the Middle East, Witkoff has also proven instrumental in bringing home American hostages. In a remarkable display of negotiation skills, he played a key role in securing the release of Marc Fogel, a U.S. teacher imprisoned in Russia for over three years. The case, which had drawn widespread criticism for its similarities to other politically motivated detentions, had seen little progress until Witkoff became involved. His pragmatic approach and ability to engage directly with Russian officials helped broker an agreement that led to Fogel’s freedom.

Witkoff’s involvement in securing the release of other Americans detained abroad has further cemented his reputation as a key problem solver within the administration. His success demonstrates that diplomatic effectiveness is not solely the domain of career officials but can be achieved by those with a background in complex business negotiations.

Parallel Paths: Witkoff and Kushner’s Diplomatic Rise

Witkoff’s ascent to diplomatic prominence mirrors that of Jared Kushner, another businessman-turned-diplomat who played a decisive role in shaping U.S. foreign policy during Trump’s first term. Kushner, known for his work in brokering the Abraham Accords, leveraged his background in real estate and private equity to negotiate historic agreements between Israel and multiple Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Neither Witkoff nor Kushner had formal diplomatic training, yet both achieved what seasoned policymakers had long struggled to accomplish. Their business backgrounds provided them with key advantages: the ability to negotiate under pressure, a focus on tangible results, and a willingness to bypass traditional bureaucratic hurdles. While career diplomats often rely on precedent and long-standing protocols, these business leaders have approached diplomacy with an emphasis on practical outcomes rather than procedural constraints.

What’s Next for Witkoff?

Looking ahead, Witkoff’s role in the administration is expected to expand further. There are reports that President Trump plans to entrust him with handling negotiations related to Iran, particularly concerning Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. This would represent a major escalation of his responsibilities, placing him at the center of one of the world’s most pressing geopolitical challenges.

If tasked with the Iran portfolio, Witkoff would be positioned to explore diplomatic solutions that balance pressure and engagement. His approach would likely focus on deal-making, leveraging economic incentives alongside diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear program. Given his success in negotiating ceasefires and securing hostage releases, there is growing confidence within the administration that he can help steer a new strategy in one of the most volatile regions of the world.

Beyond Iran, Witkoff is poised to play a role in strengthening U.S. ties with Gulf allies, fostering deeper economic partnerships, and expanding the framework of the Abraham Accords. His background in real estate and finance makes him particularly suited to negotiations that involve economic development and investment-driven diplomacy.

A New Model for U.S. Diplomacy

The emergence of figures like Witkoff and Kushner challenges the notion that only career diplomats can succeed in international relations. Their ability to apply business negotiation tactics to diplomacy has yielded results that traditional foreign policy experts have often struggled to achieve. Critics may argue that the absence of formal diplomatic training is a liability, but their track record suggests otherwise.

As global politics becomes increasingly intertwined with economic and security interests, the skills honed in business negotiations—risk assessment, strategic partnerships, and high-stakes decision-making—are proving to be invaluable assets. Witkoff’s rise signals a broader shift in how diplomacy is conducted, with results-driven leadership taking center stage.

If his early success is any indication, Steve Witkoff is poised to leave a lasting mark on U.S. foreign policy. His ability to blend business pragmatism with diplomatic problem-solving could redefine the way America engages with the world in the years to come.