Childhood and Education Journey of Steve Witkoff in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Steve Witkoff. A timeline of key moments.

Steven Charles Witkoff is an American real estate investor, lawyer, and diplomat currently serving as the United States Special Envoy to the Middle East. He is the founder and chairman of the Witkoff Group, a real estate development firm. Witkoff started as a real estate attorney before moving into property investment and development. He's known for acquiring significant properties such as the Daily News Building, Woolworth Building, 33 Maiden Lane, and the Park Lane Hotel in Manhattan. He also maintains substantial business connections in the Middle East.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

March 15, 1957: Steven Witkoff Born

On March 15, 1957, Steven Charles Witkoff was born. He is an American real estate investor, lawyer, and diplomat.

Others born on this day/year

1980: Earned B.A. from Hofstra University

In 1980, Witkoff earned a B.A. from Hofstra University.

1983: Graduated from Hofstra Law School

In 1983, Witkoff graduated with a J.D. from Hofstra Law School.

1987: Married Lauren Jill Rappoport

In 1987, Witkoff married Lauren Jill Rappoport, who was an associate at a Manhattan law firm.

2011: Son Andrew's Death

In 2011, Witkoff's 22-year-old son Andrew died of an OxyContin overdose at a sober living facility in California.

2015: Trustee of Hofstra University

Since 2015, Witkoff has been on the board of trustees of Hofstra University.

2018: Expressed Opposition to Sanctions Against Russia

In 2018, Witkoff expressed opposition to sanctions against Russia.

2019: Relocated to Florida

In 2019, Witkoff relocated from New York City to Florida, settling in Miami Beach.

February 2021: Koch Real Estate Investments purchased Fontainebleau Las Vegas

In February 2021, Koch Real Estate Investments purchased the Fontainebleau Las Vegas property.

December 2023: Fontainebleau Las Vegas Opened

In December 2023, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas hotel opened, having been developed at a cost of $3.7 billion.

July 2024: Spoke at Republican National Convention

In July 2024, Witkoff gave a speech on night four of the Republican National Convention.

September 15, 2024: Assassination Attempt on Trump While Playing Golf with Witkoff

On September 15, 2024, while Witkoff was playing golf with Trump at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, Ryan Wesley Routh allegedly attempted to assassinate Trump.

November 2024: Report on Witkoff's Reputation

In November 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that peers in the real-estate world describe Witkoff as smart, personable and a talented negotiator with a common touch.

2024: Statements on Israel, Hamas, and Qatar

In 2024, Witkoff criticized the Biden administration's decision regarding bomb shipments to Israel, but also stated that Hamas members are not as ideologically extreme as they are portrayed, and praised Qatar's efforts in negotiating an end to the Gaza conflict.

February 16, 2025: Rejected concerns about Ukraine peace negotiations

On February 16, 2025, Witkoff rejected concerns that Ukraine and Europe would be excluded from any future peace negotiations in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.