Trump Demands Kushner and Witkoff Work Even Harder on Peace Deals

The president says his top diplomats have 'capacity for more' despite concerns over overextension.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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President Donald Trump has suggested that his son-in-law Jared Kushner and top aide Steve Witkoff, who are leading negotiations on conflicts in Gaza, Iran, and Ukraine, are not working hard enough. Despite concerns from former diplomats about the 'risk of overextension' for the small team, Trump believes they 'have capacity for more' and are 'doing a great job' that 'some people could say they're pretty well complete'.

Why it matters

Kushner and Witkoff's extensive travel and involvement in multiple complex, high-stakes negotiations has raised concerns about them being overextended. However, Trump appears unwilling to relieve them of their duties, even as the president's own comments suggest the conflicts may be nearing resolution.

The details

Kushner and Witkoff have been shuttling between Geneva, Washington D.C., and the Middle East to conduct talks on the Iranian nuclear program, the war in Ukraine, and the conflict in Gaza. In one recent week, they were in Geneva for Iran talks before traveling to Washington for a meeting of Trump's 'Board of Peace' on Gaza. Despite the heavy workload, Trump believes they can handle even more, saying 'They actually have—they have capacity for more, to be honest with you.'

  • Last month, Kushner and Witkoff were in Geneva for talks on the Iranian nuclear program before traveling to Washington for two days of talks on Russia's war against Ukraine.
  • On Monday, Trump made comments at Trump National Doral in Miami suggesting the military objectives in the region were 'pretty well complete'.

The players

Donald Trump

The president of the United States who has tasked Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff with leading negotiations on several global conflicts.

Jared Kushner

Trump's son-in-law and a top presidential aide who has been heavily involved in the administration's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and elsewhere.

Steve Witkoff

Trump's Middle East envoy and a top presidential aide who has been working alongside Kushner on peace negotiations.

Aaron David Miller

A former State Department negotiator who has served in both Republican and Democratic administrations, and who has expressed concerns about the 'risk of overextension' for Kushner and Witkoff.

Marco Rubio

The current secretary of state and national security adviser, who the New York Times noted has been 'reduced to a bystander' as Kushner and Witkoff lead the diplomatic efforts.

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What they’re saying

“They don't have too much. They actually have—they have capacity for more, to be honest with you.”

— Donald Trump, President (Politico)

“The risk of overextension is real.”

— Aaron David Miller, Former State Department negotiator (N/A)

“We are the ones who will determine the end of the war. We will continue to fight until Trump declares defeat.”

— Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson (Reuters)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.