P
resident-elect Donald Trump has appointed businessman Steven Witkoff as his Special Envoy to the Middle East. Witkoff, a real estate investor and founder of the Witkoff Group, has been a close ally of Trump's since his speech at the Republican National Convention in July. The two have also spent time together on the golf course, including an incident in September when a suspected assassination attempt was made against Trump.

    Trump praised Witkoff as "a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy" who will be "an unrelenting Voice for PEACE." Witkoff has been open about his admiration for Trump's policies, particularly his plans to lower corporate taxes. In 2017, he told Newsweek that these changes would help grow businesses like his.

    Witkoff's net worth is estimated at over $500 million, according to the Palm Beach Post. He made his fortune through a series of high-profile real estate deals, including the purchase of the Woolworth Building in New York City for $137.5 million in 1998. Witkoff has also been involved in philanthropic efforts and has spoken publicly about Trump's kindness and compassion after his son Andrew died from an opioid overdose.