Trump’s plans to make the world great again face three big hurdles

A threat from the US president-elect helped broker a Middle East ceasefire deal. How else will he influence foreign affairs?

Donald Trump has become a fan of TikTok. Getty

Andrew TillettForeign affairs, defence correspondent

Jan 17, 2025 – 3.08pm

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In Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump found a kindred spirit, and unconventional choice as the Middle East peacemaker.

Both made fortunes as New York property developers (Witkoff reportedly used to carry a handgun while negotiating deals in sketchy Big Apple neighbourhoods), and both have become South Florida transplants. Witkoff was golfing with Trump the day the Secret Service foiled an assassination attempt against the former president during his re-election campaign in September.

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Andrew TillettForeign affairs, defence correspondentAndrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery.