Vance criticizes Politico's ‘foreign influence operation’ against Witkoff

(MENAFN) U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has strongly criticized Politico for what he described as a “foreign influence operation” targeting special envoy Steve Witkoff, accusing the outlet of biased reporting and ignoring key on-the-record statements in favor of anonymous criticism.

The controversy centers around a Politico article published Friday by reporter Felicia Schwartz, titled “‘His inexperience shines through’: Steve Witkoff struggles to manage Russia as Trump peace envoy.” The piece cited 13 unnamed American and foreign officials who questioned Witkoff’s diplomatic skills and claimed his role in talks with Moscow has led to confusion.

Vance responded on X (formerly Twitter), calling the report “journalistic malpractice” and claiming it was part of a coordinated effort to discredit one of the administration’s most effective envoys. He criticized the article for omitting statements from prominent figures who supported Witkoff, including himself, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former adviser Jared Kushner, and British diplomat Jonathan Powell.

Vance alleged that the article’s author had “an agenda to blow up the president’s efforts to make peace” and had selectively used sources to push a negative narrative. Powell, who was quoted briefly, had actually praised Witkoff in fuller comments not included in the piece, describing him as a capable negotiator who challenges traditional diplomatic norms in productive ways.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also accused Politico of selectively quoting sources to fit a biased storyline, while Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair went further, describing the article as “a foreign influence operation run through a German-controlled online media outlet.”

Witkoff, a key figure in Trump’s back-channel diplomacy with Russia, has met several times with President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials to advance negotiations aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict.

Despite Politico citing anonymous claims that Russian contacts were frustrated with Witkoff’s communication, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has publicly expressed support for him, calling the meetings with Witkoff “important, meaningful, and very useful.”

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