Fox News Goes After Trump Family

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Fox News host Brian Kilmeade questioned the Trump administration’s choice of negotiators for ongoing peace talks with Iran, arguing that the officials leading the discussions lack the diplomatic experience needed to manage a complex international dispute.

President Donald Trump selected his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to oversee the negotiations. During an appearance on The Five Thursday, Kilmeade said both men have strong business backgrounds but suggested that experience does not necessarily translate into international diplomacy.

“I also don’t think that Witkoff and Kushner should be the ones doing this. They’re business guys,” Kilmeade said, adding that he believes they have not achieved the desired results in previous diplomatic efforts involving Ukraine, Gaza, or Iran.

Kilmeade argued that Secretary of State Marco Rubio should instead lead the negotiations, saying diplomatic talks with Iran require a deep understanding of the region’s history and longstanding tensions rather than a business-style negotiating approach.

“You have to understand the history of the region and how distrustful the Iranians have been,” Kilmeade said. “They will only make a decision if they have no other choice.”

The Fox News host has previously voiced concerns about Witkoff’s role in international negotiations. Last year, Kilmeade criticized the envoy following reports that Witkoff had encouraged a senior Russian official to speak positively about Trump during negotiations related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Kilmeade’s latest comments drew support from Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. Speaking with CNN, Smith said negotiations with Iran require highly skilled diplomats and argued the administration had not adequately prepared for either the diplomatic process or the broader conflict.

Some Republicans have also expressed reservations. Earlier this year, Sen. Thom Tillis acknowledged that Kushner and Witkoff are accomplished business leaders but questioned whether individuals serving in such influential diplomatic roles should operate without Senate confirmation or congressional oversight.