Leaked Call Sparks Congressional Outcry, Demands for Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's Dismissal

Journalist and political commentator Blake Allen has publicly called for a congressional investigation and the immediate removal of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, following the leak of a phone call in which Witkoff reportedly advised a top Russian official on how to negotiate a Ukraine peace plan with former President Donald Trump. Allen asserted that Witkoff's actions constitute "negotiating against the United States itself and breach of his duties to the country."

The controversy stems from a recently leaked recording of an October 14 phone call between Witkoff and Yuri Ushakov, Vladimir Putin's foreign policy aide. In the conversation, Witkoff allegedly coached Ushakov on how to frame a peace proposal to Trump, including controversial suggestions that peace would require Russia gaining control of Donetsk and potentially other Ukrainian territories. Allen's tweet explicitly stated, "> This should lead to a congressional investigation and Witkoff being removed from the Russia file. It’s in essence negotiating against the United States itself and breach of his duties to the country."

The revelations have prompted strong reactions from U.S. lawmakers across the political spectrum. Republican Representative Don Bacon called for Witkoff's immediate dismissal, stating, "He cannot be trusted to lead these negotiations. Would a Russian paid agent do less than he? He should be fired." Democratic Representative Ted Lieu went further, labeling Witkoff an "actual traitor" and emphasizing that he is "supposed to work for the United States, not Russia."

Despite the widespread criticism, President Trump has defended Witkoff, characterizing his actions as a "very standard form of negotiation" and "what a dealmaker does." Witkoff, a prominent real estate developer and long-time associate of Trump, was appointed as a special envoy for peace missions and has been involved in high-stakes diplomatic efforts, including the Ukraine peace process.

The leaked call and subsequent reactions underscore significant concerns about the integrity of U.S. foreign policy and the potential for conflicting loyalties in sensitive international negotiations. The incident raises questions about the transparency and strategic alignment of diplomatic efforts, particularly in the complex and fraught relationship between the U.S. and Russia regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.