NATO, Neo-Con Warhawks Target Trump's Negotiator Witkoff
May 1—With progress being made toward ending NATO’s war against Russia in Ukraine and establishing a framework to halt Iran’s nuclear weapons program, the NATO establishment and a group of neo-conservative war advocates have launched a fierce attack on President Donald Trump’s chief negotiator and trusted confidant, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
An article in the flagship paper of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire, The New York Post, alleges that Witkoff is out of his depth, being manipulated by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian officials. An unnamed "former official of the last Trump administration" describes him as "a bumbling, f...ing idiot." That official is widely speculated to be former Trump National Security Advisor John Bolton—nicknamed "The Mustache"—who is regarded by current Trump officials and Trump himself as a "f...ing idiot" and a staunch advocate for perpetual war. Bolton is quoted elsewhere in the piece, criticizing Witkoff’s negotiation style and asserting, along with others, that he merely serves as a “mailman” for Putin’s views.
Among the many criticisms leveled at the real estate developer are his meetings with Putin and other key figures with only minimal staff present, as well as his alleged reluctance to seek advice from experienced diplomats. However, sources contradict this latter claim, asserting that the real grievance from NATO leadership—including European officials—is that Witkoff disregards their counsel.
"Why should he?" asked a source close to the White House. "They are entirely opposed to Trump's efforts, particularly his goal of forging a cautious but cooperative relationship with Putin and Russia. If this trade war with China can be de-escalated, Trump also seeks collaboration with President Xi Jinping. Trump was elected with a mandate to end the wars that neo-cons like Bolton initiated—so why would he turn to them for advice on how to clean up their mess? They want to prolong the war in Ukraine because, as strategic extremists, they believe they can ultimately defeat Russia.”
The Iran Factor
Regarding Iran, Witkoff has consulted sources who suggest that Tehran seeks more than just a nuclear weapons deal. Iranian officials reportedly envision a broader role in regional development projects proposed on a grand scale by Trump.
"They also want to establish a peaceful nuclear energy program," said a source. "Trump is open to that—as long as there is zero potential for future weapons development. A stricter inspection regime than the one in the previous Iran nuclear deal will be necessary. Additionally, new technologies could provide Iran with nuclear fuel that cannot be weaponized. Bolton and his fellow pro-war ideologues advocate an entirely different approach—one championed by the messianic warrior [Israeli Prime Minister] Bibi Netanyahu—bombing Iran back to the Stone Age. Trump rejects that idea, which is why Iran continues engaging with Witkoff."
A Broader Peace Strategy
What critics fail to acknowledge in their attacks on Witkoff’s diplomatic qualifications and alleged lack of understanding of his adversaries is Trump’s strategic vision: linking efforts to end NATO’s wars with broader peace initiatives through economic cooperation.
For example, Trump and Witkoff view securing an agreement with Iran as crucial—not only to deter Netanyahu from launching airstrikes but also to facilitate a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This would require the disarmament of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Yemen’s Houthis—groups Iran has funded and armed as part of a defensive strategy against Israeli aggression.
Similarly, Russia—Tehran’s most significant strategic ally—could play a pivotal role in negotiating a nuclear deal, as Moscow would prefer that Iran remain non-nuclear. Sources suggest that Russia may even offer to guarantee Iran’s sovereignty and security under such an agreement.
Sources also argue that Trump’s and Witkoff’s backgrounds in real estate—not traditional diplomacy—help them pursue broader, long-term agreements.
"That’s how major deals are secured—by factoring in all players' assets," a source explained.
Witkoff’s Response
Witkoff—who, unlike Trump, avoids the spotlight—reportedly finds the heightened scrutiny amusing. He recently remarked that the barrage of attacks suggests “he must be doing something right.”
Despite the controversy, Witkoff has made efforts to maintain a working relationship with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to sources, Rubio—a fiercely ambitious politician with a more ideological approach than Witkoff or Trump—harbors some jealousy over Witkoff’s prominence and proximity to the president. Rubio is said to be aligned with Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s designated point person for negotiations with the Ukrainians. Kellogg, who is also liaising with the NATO-supported Ukrainian dictator Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reportedly believes that Witkoff and Trump have been too accommodating toward Putin.
Sources indicate that a Ukraine deal is far closer than media reports suggest, with the primary obstacle being not Putin but Zelenskyy and NATO hardliners like Bolton, who encourage Zelenskyy to hold out and continue fighting.
Continued Attacks
Meanwhile, criticism of Witkoff persists. As The New York Post reported, Bolton bluntly dismissed Witkoff’s discussions with Iran in an April 27 post on X:
"Witkoff’s discussions with Iran are a waste of oxygen," Bolton wrote.
"The Iranians are stalling for time, seeking relief from sanctions while rebuilding their military. We can’t just ‘tap along’ with them," he continued, referencing Trump’s recent remark that Moscow is “tapping” him along with prolonged talks.
"Trump is repeating the same mistakes Obama made in 2015," Bolton added.
Yet, The Post was forced to acknowledge Witkoff enjoys Trump’s full support and trust.
"It is a badge of honor to be the target of a John Bolton tantrum," White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly told The Post after the article was published.
"He and his fellow warmongers quoted in this so-called ‘news piece’ thrive off endless war—lining their pockets while young people die.
"Steve Witkoff has done incredible work securing the release of detained Americans, like Marc Fogel [the American teacher held by the Russians who was freed in March], all while leaving behind a massive business empire to serve his country. Like President Trump, he is focused on stopping the killing and advancing peace through strength."