This development underscores former U.S. President Donald Trump’s unconventional approach to foreign policy, which frequently sees him turning to close friends and business allies to navigate international affairs rather than relying on the established diplomatic processes. Trump has long prided himself on the ability to use his business acumen and personal relationships to strike deals and solve problems, a method that he has now extended to the highest levels of geopolitics. In this case, he tapped Steve Witkoff, a billionaire real estate mogul and longtime golf buddy, to represent the U.S. in peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Witkoff, who has no background in international diplomacy, has built his career in the real estate industry, mastering the art of negotiating high-stakes deals in the highly competitive New York and Florida property markets. His expertise lies in constructing luxury skyscrapers and managing large egos—skills that Trump evidently values in his inner circle. Despite his lack of diplomatic experience, Witkoff has proven effective in previous negotiations, including playing a role in securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in 2023. This demonstrated his ability to navigate complex international situations, even in the absence of formal diplomatic training.
Trump’s choice to send Witkoff to Moscow for face-to-face negotiations with Russian officials, particularly as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz hold peace talks in Saudi Arabia, has raised eyebrows. Critics argue that while Witkoff is a trusted confidant, his lack of expertise in Russian affairs and Eastern European diplomacy makes him an unlikely candidate for such an important mission. However, Trump’s approach prioritizes personal trust and relationships over traditional diplomatic experience. His long-standing friendship with Witkoff, which extends to frequent rounds of golf and shared business ventures, demonstrates the type of loyalty and personal connection that Trump values when making key appointments.
The pairing of Trump’s “business diplomacy” with the highly sensitive negotiations surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war highlights a broader trend within Trump’s second presidential term: a preference for outsider dealmakers over career diplomats. This has sparked concerns that the U.S. may be sacrificing diplomatic finesse for a more transactional, relationship-driven approach to international relations. While some see this as a refreshing departure from traditional politics, others worry that it risks undermining the expertise and long-term strategic thinking that career diplomats bring to the table.
Witkoff’s role in the negotiations marks a bold experiment in Trump’s foreign policy, reflecting his broader belief that the skill of dealmaking—rooted in the world of business—can be applied effectively to international conflicts. While Witkoff’s track record in real estate and high-profile business deals is impressive, his transition to diplomacy underscores the Trump administration’s unique blend of business-oriented tactics and political ideology. However, there are valid concerns about whether relying on personal friendships and business connections over seasoned diplomatic expertise may come at a cost, particularly in a volatile global landscape.
Critics argue that this approach could set a dangerous precedent where world leaders are chosen based on their understanding and personal ties to powerful figures rather than their diplomatic experience and qualifications. As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to have far-reaching global implications, the outcome of Witkoff’s involvement in these crucial talks will likely serve as a test case for Trump’s approach to diplomacy in his second term. Whether this new model of diplomacy will succeed or prove reckless remains to be seen, but it certainly represents a departure from traditional diplomatic practices.
