Trump Backs Witkoff Amid Backlash Over Leaked Transcript

Are the special envoy's actions worthy of dismissal, or are they par for the course during peace negotiations?

Published 4 hours ago

Trump Backs Witkoff Amid Backlash Over Leaked Transcript

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Above: Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump at the U.S. Open in New York City, on Sept. 27. Image credit: Jean Catuffe/GC Images/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Trump narrative

Whoever leaked this transcript clearly comes from the camp of favoring perpetual war with Russia and was trying to subvert President Trump's efforts to find peace between Russia and Ukraine. If this came from the U.S., the source should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law as they are clearly a national security risk.

Richard Grenell on X

Pro-establishment narrative

These leaks show that Witkoff is far too close to Russia. Had he been an agent of the country, you would not expect him to act any differently. He is not supposed to be representing Russia but the best interests of the U.S. Any credibility he had has been lost and he shoud be fired from his position immediately.

Guardian Salon.com

Pro-Russia narrative

Like Trump said, Witkoff behaved in exactly the way that you would expect of any negotiator. It is no surprise to Russia that there are many out there that would like torpedo this whole peace process — those calling for Witkoff's dismissal are undoubtedly part of this effort.

TASS