Vice President JD Vance blasted a Politico story alleging that Trump peace envoy Steve Witkoff was struggling in negotiations with Russia, calling the piece “journalistic malpractice” and a “foreign influence operation.”
Vance said the report relied on anonymous “deep state” sources while deliberately omitting on-the-record statements defending Witkoff, including his own remarks, Secretary of State comments, and support from Jared Kushner and UK diplomat Jonathan Powell.
This story from Politico is journalistic malpractice. But it's more than that: it's a foreign influence operation meant to hurt the administration and one of our most effective members.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) August 29, 2025
Notice how all of the people attacking Steve are on background? That means it's two or three… https://t.co/LsPmTpZfqy
He argued Witkoff has been effective in narrowing disputes in the Russia-Ukraine war to defined issues of security guarantees and territorial concessions. “Trust me, I’ve seen the intel,” Vance wrote, rejecting claims that Witkoff misled U.S. officials about Russian positions.
Vance charged that Politico reporter Felicia Schwartz either allowed herself to be manipulated by anonymous insiders or willingly participated in undermining Trump’s peace efforts. He praised Witkoff as “invaluable” and credited him and President Trump with working tirelessly to achieve peace.
This statement from our amazing Vice President speaks for itself. Thank you Mr Vice President. It is my honor to serve in the Trump Administration. https://t.co/RpvoDRHk0Y
— Steve Witkoff (@SteveWitkoff) August 29, 2025
I could not have said it better myself.
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) August 29, 2025
Not only did Felicia and her editors refuse to use the many quotes from high-ranking officials provided to them by the White House, they also did not include nearly an hour of context from the subject of the story, Mr. Witkoff.
Too many… https://t.co/E9MHOnidR3
