ABC News Daily Matt Bevan on the players in Trump’s orbit
Dec 23, 2025
Matt Bevan, host of the If You're Listening podcast and an ABC journalist, dives into the unconventional characters surrounding Donald Trump. He shares fascinating stories about Steve Witkoff, a former deli owner turned peace envoy, including a poignant account of grief driving his humanitarian efforts. Bevan also explores Howard Lutnick’s link to 9/11 and his controversial economic strategies, revealing how Trump's staffing strategy favors loyalty over merit. The conversation highlights the intricate web of relationships influencing U.S. policies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Sandwich Sparked A Lifelong Bond
- Matt Bevan recounts how Steve Witkoff paid for Donald Trump’s ham and Swiss sandwich, which sparked their long friendship and business alignment.
- Witkoff later leaned on that bond to become a self-styled peace envoy working on Gaza and Ukraine efforts.
Personal Tragedy Drove Public Role
- Matt Bevan describes Witkoff's son Andrew as sensitive and caring for the homeless before dying of an overdose at a halfway house.
- Witkoff says his son's death motivated him to pursue roles focused on helping less fortunate people, including peace envoys.
Enthusiasm Doesn’t Equal Diplomatic Skill
- Witkoff's negotiating style is simplistic and full of clichés, focusing on empathy and mutual happiness.
- Despite that, the Trump administration's pressure on Israel, not necessarily Witkoff's skill, helped produce a Gaza ceasefire.