Steve Witkoff is an American real estate investor, lawyer, and political figure born on March 15, 1957. He is the founder and chairman of the Witkoff Group, a prominent real estate company with a portfolio that includes notable properties such as the Daily News Building, the Woolworth Building, and the Park Lane Hotel in Manhattan
. Witkoff began his career as a real estate attorney before transitioning into property investment and development. He co-founded Stellar Management in the mid-1980s and later established the Witkoff Group in 1997, expanding his real estate holdings across multiple U.S. cities
. His net worth was estimated at around $2 billion as of May 2025
. In addition to his business career, Witkoff has become a significant political figure. In late 2024, then President-elect Donald Trump appointed him as the United States Special Envoy to the Middle East. Despite lacking prior diplomatic experience, Witkoff played a key role in negotiations leading to a ceasefire and hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas in early 2025
. He also serves as Trump's de facto envoy to Russian President Vladimir Putin, engaging in high-level talks including prisoner swaps and peace negotiations related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict
. Witkoff's personal life has influenced his advocacy work; after the death of his son Andrew from an opioid overdose in 2011, he became active in addiction awareness and recovery efforts, which he publicly discussed at the 2024 Republican National Convention
. In summary, Steve Witkoff is a billionaire real estate mogul turned influential political envoy, known for his negotiation skills in complex international conflicts despite his unconventional background for a diplomatic role
