Trump’s Secret Consigliere: The Real Story Behind Steve Witkoff

How a Real Estate Buddy Became the Middle East “Envoy” in Trump’s Mob-Style Government

Let me lay this out for you clearly—because no one else will. What you’re seeing with Donald Trump appointing Steve Witkoff to handle diplomatic talks in the Middle East, with Iran, Russia, and Ukraine, isn’t just nepotism or incompetence. It’s part of a much deeper, older alliance that goes back decades. This is mob rule disguised as diplomacy.

Steve Witkoff is not a diplomat. He’s not a strategist. He’s not a statesman. He’s a New York real estate developer who, like Trump, built his empire using mob connections, and Russian cash. I know this world—I was in it. And if you’ve followed my reporting, you already know the players.

Witkoff has been Trump’s quiet consigliere for years. Think of him as Trump’s Sammy the Bull Gravano—he doesn’t need the spotlight, because his power is in the shadows. Both Trump and Witkoff were propped up by Russian and ex-Soviet mobsters during the ‘90s and 2000s. You’ve seen me name them before: Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov (a.k.a. Taiwanchik), Felix Sater, Golubchik, and Trincher. These are the same names that pop up behind Trump Tower deals and illegal gambling rings. Guess who else those names are tied to? Witkoff properties.

The relationship between Trump and Witkoff has always been more than transactional. They’ve shared lawyers, money pipelines, and silence when it comes to dirty deals. And now, Trump’s returned the favor—not by giving him a construction contract—but by handing him a fake diplomatic title with real-world consequences.

Ask yourself: why is the guy who oversaw luxury real estate projects suddenly the Trump regime’s point man for the Middle East? Why is he negotiating with Iranian proxies or whispering into the ears of Russian intermediaries about Ukraine?

It’s because this isn’t foreign policy—it’s asset management. They’re not trying to win peace—they’re trying to protect interests. And those interests are money, minerals, and leverage.

Witkoff is the frontman for backchannel deals, just like Giuliani was. The difference is, Giuliani was loud and sloppy. Witkoff’s job is to do it quietly, with a suit on, inside skyscrapers and luxury hotels, while his son handles the crypto side of the operation.

Here’s what the media won’t tell you: Zach Witkoff—Steve’s son—is tied at the hip with Eric Trump and Don Jr. in a crypto operation. It’s called World Liberty Financial, and it’s part of a new $2 billion deal backed by Gulf Emirati interests.

They’ve created a stablecoin called USD1, which they’re using to funnel money through real estate transactions in Trump properties abroad—yes, including the new luxury tower in Dubai with Dar Global. Zach Witkoff is not just along for the ride—he’s driving part of it. He and the Trump sons are setting up a post-American empire, funded by authoritarian regimes and designed to keep the Trump family rich and powerful—no matter what happens back home.

This is the mob model: the old don (Trump) gives power to his most trusted lieutenant (Witkoff), and the children take over the future operations—laundering, grifting, and hiding assets in crypto and luxury properties.

Make no mistake: this isn’t some coincidence or friendship based on golf trips. This is an organized financial and political alliance. Trump, Witkoff, their sons—they operate like a crime family. And now, they’re turning our foreign policy into a front for their criminal business interests.

So when you see Steve Witkoff at peace talks or in the press being called a “special envoy,” remember this: he’s not a diplomat—he’s the bagman. He’s there to cut deals behind the scenes. And the only reason he’s there is because he’s loyal, and because he’s part of the family.

The Trump family isn’t trying to govern. They’re trying to rule—and enrich themselves while they do it. I’m putting all of this out there because you deserve the truth. The mainstream media isn’t connecting these dots—but we are.

If you value this kind of reporting, I need your help. Please: Forward this letter to friends. Re-stack it on Substack. Become a paid subscriber or donate via Venmo at @lev-parnas.

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This isn’t just a newsletter—it’s a movement. And we’re just getting started.

—Lev