How Trump’s account of his envoy raised a new wave of questions for U.S. diplomacy
13 October 18:41
During a speech to the Israeli Knesset, US President Donald Trump told a story about his special representative Steve Whitkoff, who he said had a five-hour meeting with Vladimir Putin – despite having no diplomatic experience, reports [ komersant].
“Steve didn’t know much about Russia, Putin, politics. He wasn’t interested in that. But he was great at real estate – and had the trait I was looking for,” Trump said.
The president added that he expected 15-20 minute talks, but the meeting lasted five hours. Afterward, he joked that he himself has no idea “what you can talk about for that long.”
Trump filed the story as an example of Whitkoff’s “unique talent” for negotiation and once again called himself a “war stopper,” saying he has already “settled eight conflicts in eight months.”
He also confirmed that the administration is renaming the Department of Defense the “Department of War,” explaining that it will take a new “decisive approach” to force.
“We’re not going to be politically correct. But if we have to go to war, we will win like no one has ever won before,” he said.
Who is Steve Whitkoff
Steve Whitkoff is a New York City-based real estate developer and Trump’s longtime partner in the real estate business.
In 2024, he became the U.S. special envoy for a peace settlement in Ukraine despite having no foreign policy experience.
Politico wrote that Whitkoff:
- does not consult with experts;
- does not follow diplomatic protocol;
- views the war in Ukraine “like a land dispute ” – through the prism of real estate.
During one of his visits to Moscow, he came to a meeting with Putin without State Department representatives, so there was no official recording of the conversation.
The scandal surrounding the talks
After five meetings with the Russian dictator, Whitkoff sparked sharp discontent both in Kiev and among U.S. allies in Europe.
- Reuters reported that Whitkoff told EU leaders: Putin allegedly agreed to withdraw troops from the Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions in exchange for Donbass.
- The very next day he changed his position, causing outrage among the partners.
- Politico wrote that “Ukraine, Europe and even Moscow” were disappointed with his approach.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance defended Whitkoff, calling the media criticism a “foreign influence operation” directed against the Trump administration.
Why it matters
Undermining confidence in U.S. diplomacy. Appointing a businessman with no experience in complex peace negotiations raises questions about the new administration’s professionalism.
Uncertainty about Washington policy. Confusion over Whitkoff’s statements could call into question the U.S. position on Russia’s war against Ukraine.
A signal to allies. Trump’s speech in Israel demonstrates a desire to emphasize a “forceful” approach, but also opens up risks of unpredictability.
