Remove Unqualified Special Envoy Witkoff and Scrutinize Other Appointees

I am deeply concerned about the recent actions of Steve Witkoff, President Trump's special envoy, in his negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Witkoff's blatant disregard for diplomatic protocol and potential compromise of sensitive information demands immediate congressional action. On February 11, March 13, April 11, and August 6, Witkoff met with Putin to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war. Alarmingly, he relied solely on Kremlin-provided interpreters, eschewing the use of U.S. translators. This decision not only puts Witkoff at a "real disadvantage," as noted by former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, but also jeopardizes our national security interests. Witkoff's lack of Russian language skills, combined with his dependence on Putin's interpreters, raises serious questions about his ability to accurately convey and understand critical information. This reckless approach risks missed nuances in Putin's messages and prevents independent verification of the discussions. Furthermore, despite these high-level meetings, there has been no tangible progress in ending the conflict. Putin continues to reference Russia's nuclear capabilities, showing little interest in de-escalation. Witkoff's ineffectiveness is evident in the lack of results from these negotiations. I urge Congress to take immediate action to remove Steve Witkoff from his position as special envoy. His actions demonstrate a clear lack of qualifications and judgment necessary for such a crucial role in international diplomacy. Additionally, I call on Congress to conduct a thorough review of other appointed officials to ensure they possess the necessary qualifications and expertise for their positions. Our nation's security and diplomatic efforts should not be compromised by unqualified appointees. Swift action is necessary to protect our national interests and work towards a resolution in Ukraine.