Steve Witkoff, former owner of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, has been named co-chair of Donald Trump's inauguration committee alongside former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler. The committee will organize inauguration events scheduled for January 20, 2025.

Witkoff, a New York real estate mogul and longtime Trump ally, previously owned the 67-story Fontainebleau property from 2017 to 2021. He purchased the unfinished resort from Carl Icahn for $600 million with plans to rename it The Drew, in memory of his late son. However, financing challenges and COVID-19 complications led to its sale to Koch Industries in 2021.

Trump expressed confidence in the inauguration committee's leadership, stating it will "honor this magnificent victory in a celebration of the American People and our nation." The committee follows in the footsteps of Trump's 2016 inaugural committee, which was led by Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, and Phil Ruffin.

In addition to his inauguration committee role, Trump has appointed Witkoff as a special envoy to the Middle East, a position that doesn't require Senate confirmation. Despite having no formal foreign policy experience, Witkoff previously served on the board of trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during Trump's first term.

Witkoff has publicly praised Trump's character, noting during a 2024 campaign speech in Georgia: "The president is a lifelong friend of mine, and he is one of the best men I have ever known. I speak about him often, and I like to tell people about his humanity, his sensitivity, and his empathy."

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