Steve Witkoff, the real estate mogul, was caught up in a dramatic incident during a casual golf outing with former President Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Course. An alleged assassination attempt unfolded, thrusting both men into national headlines. This event highlighted their enduring friendship, which spans decades of business dealings and personal connections.
Early Life and Education
Born on March 15, 1957, in the Bronx, New York, Steven Charles Witkoff emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in American real estate. Growing up in a Jewish family in Baldwin Harbor and Old Westbury, New York, young Steve witnessed firsthand the value of hard work through his father, Martin Witkoff, who made his living as a manufacturer of ladies’ coats in New York City’s bustling garment district.
The foundation of Witkoff’s future success was laid at Hofstra University, where he demonstrated exceptional academic prowess by earning both his bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor. This dual education would prove invaluable, providing him with the legal expertise and business acumen that would later distinguish him in the competitive world of real estate development.
Career Beginnings
Fresh out of law school, Witkoff launched his professional journey at the prestigious real estate law firm Dreyer & Traub, where fate would introduce him to a client who would significantly influence his future – Donald Trump. This chance encounter marked the beginning of a lasting relationship that would intertwine their personal and professional lives for decades to come.
The year 1985 marked a pivotal moment in Witkoff’s career when he partnered with fellow attorney Laurence Gluck to establish Stellar Management. Their initial focus centered on acquiring and renovating properties in Washington Heights, Manhattan, where they demonstrated an uncanny ability to identify undervalued assets and transform them into profitable investments.
The Witkoff Group
In 1997, Witkoff took a bold step forward by founding The Witkoff Group, a move that would catapult him into the upper echelons of real estate development. Under his leadership, the company quickly established itself as a powerhouse in property acquisition and development, with a particular focus on luxury residential and commercial properties in prime locations.
| Year | Property | Location | Purchase Price | Notable Details |
| 1998 | Woolworth Building | New York City | $137.5M | Historic landmark |
| 2013 | Park Lane Hotel | Manhattan | $654M | Sold for ~$1B |
| 2018 | West Hollywood EDITION | Los Angeles | $260M | Luxury hotel/residences |
| 2024 | Banyan Cay Resort | West Palm Beach | $100M | Golf resort renovation |
Investment Strategy and Success
Witkoff’s investment philosophy centers on identifying undervalued properties in prime locations and transforming them through strategic repositioning and development. His approach combines careful market analysis with bold decision-making, enabling him to capitalize on opportunities that others might overlook.
The company’s success can be attributed to Witkoff’s strategy of maintaining a diverse portfolio across multiple real estate sectors. Here’s a breakdown of their investment approach:
| Investment Type | Percentage of Portfolio | Focus Areas |
| Luxury Residential | 40% | Manhattan, Miami, LA |
| Commercial Office | 30% | NYC, Chicago, London |
| Hotels | 20% | Major US Cities |
| Mixed-Use Development | 10% | Urban Centers |
Net Worth and Financial Success
The journey to amassing a $500 million net worth in 2024 reflects Witkoff’s masterful understanding of real estate markets and value creation. His most notable triumph came through the Park Lane Hotel deal, where he purchased the property for $654 million in 2013 and later sold it for approximately $1 billion, demonstrating his ability to maximize returns through strategic timing and market positioning.
Witkoff’s financial acumen extends beyond single property deals into a broader wealth-building strategy that encompasses multiple revenue streams. The development of properties like 10 Madison Square West and the West Hollywood EDITION has contributed significantly to his net worth. At the same time, his diversified investment approach helps maintain stability even during market fluctuations.
| Year | Major Achievement | Financial Impact | Strategic Significance |
| 1997 | Founded The Witkoff Group | Initial capital $50M | Established independent operations |
| 2013 | Park Lane Hotel Acquisition | $654M investment | Landmark Manhattan property |
| 2018 | EDITION Hotel Development | $260M project | Luxury hospitality expansion |
| 2024 | Banyan Cay Resort | $100M acquisition | Florida market entry |
| 2024 | Current Net Worth | $500M | Diversified portfolio value |
Personal Life and Family
The personal story of Steve Witkoff intertwines success with profound loss. His marriage to Lauren Rappoport in 1987 brought three sons into their lives, including Zach Witkoff. He has followed his father’s footsteps into the real estate industry, now serving as an executive in The Witkoff Group.
Tragedy struck the family in 2011 with the devastating loss of their son Andrew Witkoff to an opioid overdose. This personal heartbreak transformed Witkoff’s approach to philanthropy and community service, leading to significant investments in addiction recovery programs and educational initiatives aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
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Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Through The Witkoff Foundation, Steve has channeled his resources and influence into meaningful social impact, particularly focusing on addiction recovery and education. His position as Chairman of the University of Miami Business School Real Estate Advisory Board allows him to shape the next generation of real estate professionals while contributing to academic excellence.
His appointment to the board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 2019 exemplifies his commitment to cultural enrichment and community development. The foundation’s work extends beyond traditional philanthropy, creating innovative programs that address critical social issues while building stronger communities.
Political Connections and Controversies
Witkoff’s long-standing friendship with Donald Trump has placed him at the intersection of business and politics. Their relationship, spanning decades, has evolved from client-attorney interactions to close personal friendship, with Witkoff becoming a trusted confidant and supporter of the former president.
The most dramatic manifestation of this connection occurred during the September 2024 golf incident at Trump International Golf Course, where Witkoff found himself an eyewitness to what was reported as an assassination attempt on the former president. The incident, verified by Fox News host Sean Hannity, thrust Witkoff into the national spotlight and intensified discussions about security measures for former presidents.
Latest Developments
In recent years, Witkoff has expanded his real estate empire in strategic directions, particularly in Florida’s lucrative market. The acquisition of the troubled Banyan Cay Resort & Golf Club in West Palm Beach for approximately $100 million represents his latest major investment, demonstrating continued confidence in the luxury resort sector.
The ongoing development of The Drew Las Vegas project showcases Witkoff’s ability to tackle complex, large-scale developments. Despite market challenges, his company continues to identify and capitalize on opportunities across different real estate sectors and geographical locations.
Latest News
The September 15, 2024, incident at Trump International Golf Course marked a significant moment in Witkoff’s public profile. According to eyewitness accounts and media reports, the routine golf outing transformed into a security crisis when gunfire was heard, prompting immediate action from Secret Service agents to protect the former president.
This event garnered national attention and highlighted both the ongoing security concerns surrounding former President Trump and Witkoff’s proximity to high-profile political figures. The incident has become a talking point in discussions about the intersection of business, politics, and personal relationships in American public life.
FAQs
Who Is Steve Witkoff?
A successful real estate mogul who transformed from a Bronx-born lawyer into the founder of The Witkoff Group, known for developing luxury properties across major U.S. cities.
What Is The Net Worth Of Steve Witkoff In 2024?
Steve Witkoff’s net worth stands at $500 million in 2024, accumulated through successful real estate ventures and strategic property developments.
What Happened To Steve Witkoff?
He was present during an alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump while playing golf at Trump International Golf Course in September 2024.
Why Is Steve Witkoff In The News?
He recently made headlines for his testimony in Trump’s Manhattan fraud case, his RNC speech, and witnessing a security incident during a golf outing with the former president.
What Is The Real Name Of Steve Witkoff?
His full legal name is Steven Charles Witkoff, born on March 15, 1957, in the Bronx, New York.
Conclusion
The story of Steve Witkoff represents more than just a tale of financial success; it embodies the transformative power of vision, resilience, and strategic thinking in the real estate industry. From his early days as a lawyer at Dreyer & Traub to building a $500 million empire, Witkoff’s journey illustrates the potential for success through calculated risk-taking and market insight.
His influence extends beyond real estate into philanthropy, politics, and community development. The tragic loss of his son Andrew led to meaningful contributions in addiction recovery and education through The Witkoff Foundation, demonstrating how personal tragedy can fuel positive social change.
Looking ahead, Witkoff’s continued expansion into new markets and his development of ambitious projects suggests his influence in the real estate world will only grow. His recent experiences, including the dramatic golf course incident with Donald Trump, have further cemented his place in the public eye while highlighting the interesting intersections of business, politics, and personal relationships that characterize American public life.
The legacy of Steve Witkoff and The Witkoff Group serves as a blueprint for aspiring real estate developers and entrepreneurs. His story reminds us that success in real estate requires not just financial acumen but also adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to creating value for communities. As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, Witkoff’s influence and strategic approach to development will likely continue to shape skylines and communities across America.
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