Trump defends Witkoff after leak appears to show envoy coaching Russia

Former US President Donald Trump has defended Steven Witkoff, a real estate developer and Trump's longtime friend, after a leaked audio recording appears to show Witkoff, who was serving as a US envoy, coaching Russia on how to navigate the US political system. The audio recording, which has not been independently verified, allegedly captures Witkoff advising Russian officials on how to lobby the US government and influence American politics. Trump, who has a long-standing relationship with Witkoff, claimed he had not heard the audio but stated that it sounded like "standard" negotiations. The former president expressed his support for Witkoff, saying he was a "great guy" and that the allegations were likely an attempt to discredit him. The leaked recording has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of private individuals in US foreign policy. However, the White House has not yet commented on the matter, and the authenticity of the recording remains unconfirmed.