With Witkoff and Kushner, Trump Bets on Diplomacy Without Diplomats

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 6 min read 100% complete by David E. Sanger and Anton TroianovskiFebruary 17, 2026 at 11:44 PM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

The Trump administration is utilizing unconventional diplomatic approaches, sidelining the State Department and National Security Council in favor of trusted envoys. Real estate developer Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are at the center of negotiations with Iran, Russia, and Ukraine. This approach reflects President Trump's belief that traditional diplomatic institutions are less effective. Witkoff and Kushner have been involved in efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear crisis and the war in Ukraine, having previously negotiated a cease-fire in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages. While some countries appreciate their transactional approach, some observers question their diplomatic skills and reliability.

Keywords

diplomacy without diplomats 90% witkoff-kushner duo 80% iran negotiations 70% unconventional diplomacy 70% ukraine negotiations 70% national security council 60% state department 60% deal makers 50% transactional approach 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative
Score: -0.30

Source Transparency

Source
New York Times - World
Political Lean
Center-Left (-0.30)
Far LeftCenterFar Right
Classification Confidence
90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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