During a pivotal meeting in Alaska, President Trump found himself accompanied by two notable figures: Rubio and Witkoff.
Afterward, when Trump reached out to Ukrainian President Zelensky and leaders from the European Air Forces, they were seen in the vicinity, with images shared by the White House showcasing this interaction.
Both men have emerged as significant players in the foreign policy arena during Trump’s second term and are central to ongoing efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
They come from distinct backgrounds. Rubio, a former senator and presidential aspirant, is considered a potential contender for the GOP in 2028. His nomination signals Trump’s trust; Rubio will also take on the role of national security adviser, making him just the second individual in this position in U.S. history.
Witkoff, a businessman and personal associate of Trump, lacks governmental experience. Nevertheless, Trump insisted on early engagements for Witkoff with key figures to foster relationships with Israel, meet Putin, and work toward achieving a ceasefire with Hamas.
Witkoff stands out as one of the few special envoys officially sworn in at the White House, earning the extended title of Special Envoy for Peace Mission after first serving as Trump’s Middle Eastern and Russian special envoy. He notably worked on securing a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Leslie Shed, a former spokesman for the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented, “It’s beneficial to have diverse backgrounds contributing to the conversation. However, I think the president chose them primarily based on trust, believing they align with his vision and are committed to its pursuit.”
Nonetheless, Trump, Rubio, and Witkoff face criticism during this administration. Democrats have expressed regret over Rubio’s confirmation as Secretary of State, while some former officials question Witkoff’s qualifications. Critics also allege that he is being manipulated by Putin, who may be interested in prolonging the war in Ukraine.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, highlighted concerns regarding Witkoff’s effectiveness, suggesting that a lack of experienced diplomats within his team could hinder success. She remarked that Witkoff may misinterpret Putin’s stance, raising questions about his abilities to negotiate a peace deal.
“His lack of governmental background and memo-taking skills doesn’t bode well,” Shaheen noted in a recent interview prior to the Trump-Putin summit.
White House officials emphasized that Trump ultimately drives policy and empowered Rubio and Witkoff as pivotal figures to negotiate an end to the Ukraine conflict.
Trump’s meeting with Putin in Alaska on August 15th fueled optimism about ending the war, although no concrete commitments were made. He recently hosted European leaders and Zelensky in Washington, further discussing arrangements for talks between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine.
It remains unclear when or if Trump will be able to mediate a resolution to the ongoing conflict that has persisted since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated, “Secretary Rubio and his envoy Witkoff maintain close communication and are actively advancing President Trump’s foreign policy agenda. The President has great faith in their capabilities to articulate America’s position on the world stage, and the outcomes are evident.”
Rubio, a more traditional figure, has prior experience on the Senate Intelligence Committee and possesses a well-defined foreign policy stance. His hawkish approach, alongside his bid for the presidency in 2016, initially raised doubts among Trump’s supporters regarding his suitability.
However, Rubio has demonstrated loyalty, often acting as a reliable messenger for Trump’s foreign policy, ranging from issues concerning Iran to Russia. His expanded role now includes leading the National Security Council.
Having participated in peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Türkiye this past May, Rubio remains in contact with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and is collaborating with European allies to formulate security assurances for Ukraine as part of peace negotiations.
Alex Gray, who served as NSC chief of staff during Trump’s first term, commended Trump for empowering Rubio, viewing it as a hallmark of strong leadership.
“Rubio understands that national security advisors should coordinate and implement strategies rather than create them. This points to his success on behalf of President Trump,” he commented.
Witkoff is also a prominent figure; he first consulted with Russian officials alongside Rubio and security advisor Mike Waltz in February.
Witkoff’s negotiation style has resulted in some successes, though it also drew criticism at times. Notably, he played a key role in securing the release of Mark Vogel, an American imprisoned in Russia for three years, even personally bringing him back to the U.S.
Witkoff also met Putin prior to the Alaska summit and received a medal from him—a gesture that has come under scrutiny due to its implications.
Experts caution that Witkoff’s lack of foreign policy and government experience could be a vulnerability. They posit that having someone like Rubio in the room is beneficial for addressing challenges and ensuring effective negotiation.
Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations with prior NSC experience, expressed hope that Witkoff is surrounded by knowledgeable advisers and remains receptive to their input.
