WASHINGTON – Steve Witkoff, a senior adviser to President Donald Trump and a key negotiator on various global issues, shared insights during an interview with Breitbart News this week.
Witkoff participated in a nearly 40-minute interview recorded at the Executive Office Building on Thursday afternoon. This location, where the Trump administration conducted several interviews, features a studio-like setup that was previously utilized for similar purposes by former President Joe Biden. In the first segment of the interview, which spans topics from Iran to Russia and Gaza, Witkoff reflects on the controversies and Trump’s stance regarding these matters. He also touches on his long-standing relationship with Trump, dating back to their business days in New York. Furthermore, he addresses recent criticisms, suggesting that some detractors prefer conflict over diplomacy.
“Trump believes in peace through strength. It’s not in the nation’s best interests to rely on war; instead, dialogue and diplomacy are essential for resolving global challenges,” Witkoff stated.
When asked about his involvement in promoting peace, Witkoff explained that his discussions with Trump around the Middle East intensified when he assisted the president against legal challenges from New York Attorney General Letitia James.
“The president and I are very close friends; I consider it a blessing. He has inspired me greatly. Before he was elected, he often sought my opinion on various matters,” Witkoff said.
Recently, Witkoff has faced criticism, notably from institutions linked to Rupert Murdoch. Critics have questioned his effectiveness in leading negotiations concerning numerous pressing issues, such as denuclearization discussions with Iran and diplomatic efforts in Ukraine and Gaza. His work requires extensive travel and engagement with significant global figures, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. A recent piece in the New York Post labeled his efforts as lacking.
In response to the criticisms, Witkoff expressed frustration that he wasn’t given the chance to defend himself. “Critics like Douglas Murray didn’t call me for my perspective, and I think they were fundamentally mistaken. I adhere closely to the president’s beliefs; our best response to criticism is to remain effective in our endeavors,” he said.
Witkoff also addressed claims made by Politico regarding discrepancies in his negotiations. He firmly rejected the notion that there were tensions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asserting, “It’s completely false. We share a very close and genuine friendship.” He emphasized that their discussions occur frequently and in detail.
In addressing whether critics prefer conflict to peace, Witkoff noted a prevalent “neoconservative element” in the criticisms, asserting that such views often stem from a belief that military solutions are the only viable options.
Moreover, some voices in the neocon sphere have criticized his private meetings with world leaders, particularly his direct interactions with Putin. In his defense, Witkoff argued that engaging in such dialogues is better than the lack of communication seen during Biden’s administration.
“Many of the critics might have good intentions, but that doesn’t guarantee effective negotiation. I believe that talking directly to leaders like Putin is essential for finding resolutions,” he remarked.
Witkoff’s conversation hinted at deeper insights into critical global issues, including those involving Iran, Israel, Gaza, Russia, and Ukraine, which he plans to share in more detail soon.
