Bolton Critiques Trump’s Special Envoy Witkoff

Former national security adviser John Bolton has labeled President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, as a “disaster.”

During an appearance on CNN with Kasie Hunt, Bolton discussed the challenges faced by the Trump administration, including the selection of Secretary of State Marco Rubio to handle interim duties alongside Witkoff in foreign negotiations.

Hunt questioned Bolton about Rubio’s role, specifically regarding Witkoff’s leadership in negotiations to resolve the Russian-Ukraine conflict. “Who really has the authority here?” she asked.

Bolton responded, “I don’t think it’s Marco Rubio. If I were in his position, I would feel quite frustrated.”

He noted that Witkoff seems to report directly to Trump, which he viewed as problematic. “Witkoff does exactly what Trump says. This could lead to disaster, particularly concerning Ukraine and Iran,” he added.

Having served under Trump, Bolton has been critical of the administration. He emphasized that Witkoff lacks essential knowledge about Russia, Ukraine, and Iran.

“He doesn’t understand nuclear weapons or arms control, which makes it hard to fathom how he’s in this position,” Bolton noted. “Yet, he remains Trump’s personal envoy.”

Bolton characterized Witkoff’s approach to U.S. negotiations as a “big risk.”

These comments followed a recent shakeup in the administration, where it was announced that Rubio would temporarily take on national security advisory duties.

Witkoff has been engaged in meetings since the beginning of his role, aiming to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine—a task that has become more complex than anticipated. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Ukraine signed a notable mineral deal recently.

Witkoff, a longtime associate of Trump and a real estate investor, gained visibility in the Middle East and now is tasked with addressing the Russian-Ukraine situation—a responsibility attributed to his close relationship with the president.

The White House has been contacted for further comments.