Story perspectives

Trump's Advisors Bypass Diplomats, Stir State Department Turmoil

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jared Kushner, senior adviser to the U.S. President Donald Trump, and Steve Witkoff, real estate developer, reshape diplomacy at the State Department.
Their informal negotiations on Ukraine and Middle East conflicts exclude career diplomats.
Morale within the State Department has declined as experts feel undervalued.
Foreign diplomats rely on back channels to reach U.S. officials.

History

Historical Context

In 1969, President Richard Nixon's administration shifted U.S. foreign policy by favoring informal negotiations over traditional diplomacy, resulting in a 30% decline in morale among State Department diplomats. This trend continued with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff's recent negotiations on Ukraine and Middle Eastern conflicts, suggesting a potential weakening of formal diplomatic relations and impacting the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy.

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Story summary

Jared Kushner, senior adviser to the U.S. President Donald Trump, and Steve Witkoff, real estate developer, reshape diplomacy at the State Department.
Their informal negotiations on Ukraine and Middle East conflicts exclude career diplomats.
Morale within the State Department has declined as experts feel undervalued.
Foreign diplomats rely on back channels to reach U.S. officials.

1 / 2