Fox News presenter Brian Kilmeade has launched a stinging critique of US special envoy Steve Witkoff, branding his actions "totally unacceptable" after reports emerged that Witkoff coached a senior Russian aide on how to flatter President Donald Trump.
Leaked Call Reveals Coaching for Kremlin Praise
The controversy stems from a leaked phone conversation on 14 October between Witkoff and Yuri Ushakov, a senior foreign policy adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the call, Witkoff urged Ushakov to have Putin congratulate Trump on brokering an Israel-Gaza ceasefire deal, suggesting such praise would ensure the two leaders had "a really good call."
This advice was apparently followed. In a summary of a call between Trump and Putin two days later, on 16 October, Ushakov confirmed the Russian leader did laud the American president for his peace efforts.
Strategic Advice and a Blocked Arms Shipment
The envoy's guidance extended further. Witkoff also suggested Putin should call Trump before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's scheduled visit to the White House on 17 October. Zelensky was hoping to secure authorisation for long-range Tomahawk missiles during that trip.
According to the Wall Street Journal, during the Trump-Putin call, the Russian leader warned that providing such missiles to Ukraine would escalate the war and damage US-Russia relations. US officials indicated this warning ultimately convinced Trump not to hand over the Tomahawks to Zelensky.
Kilmeade's Furious Rebuke on Fox & Friends
Addressing the leak on Monday's broadcast of Fox & Friends, Kilmeade expressed deep concern over Witkoff's apparent affinity for Moscow. "I just think he likes Russia too much. All indications are that he sees more Russia's point of view," Kilmeade stated.
He saved his strongest condemnation for the advice to manipulate Trump's ego. "You're supposed to be the president's best friend," Kilmeade grumbled. "You can't be telling Vladimir Putin how to handle your best friend, who happens to be the President of the United States."
The host did acknowledge that Witkoff and Kushner were working on a 28-point blueprint to end the war in Ukraine, a plan also involving Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He expressed relief that Jared Kushner would accompany Witkoff on an upcoming trip to Russia, believing the president's son-in-law had "a much more level head."
Fallout and Defence from the White House
The leak has sparked calls from some Republican lawmakers for Witkoff to resign, with one describing the incident as a "blemish on our country." However, President Trump has firmly defended his envoy and longtime friend.
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump dismissed the controversy, stating, "It's a standard thing. That's what a dealmaker does."
Kilmeade, a loyal Trump supporter, has consistently blamed Putin for the war in Ukraine, a stance that has sometimes put him at odds with others in the MAGA movement. He concluded his remarks with a stark reminder: "There was only one country that started this war... And it's Russia. Ukraine is not a threat to Russia."
