Real estate investor Steve Witkoff, a longtime friend of Trump, shared the emotional story of his son’s death from an opioid overdose, recounting how Trump stood by his side during the “unbearable” loss.
“Many Americans witnessed his leadership only on television, but I saw his humanity in the quiet moments away from the spotlight, in the hospital rooms where he didn’t need to be, where his presence brought real comfort in a dark hour. [for] “My family and a lot of other families,” Witkoff said.
Real estate investor and landlord Steve Witkoff speaks during the final day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 18, 2024.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
Witkoff said Trump invited him to speak about his son, Andrew, at an opioid conference hosted by then-first lady Melania Trump to honor her son’s memory.
“When the day of the conference came, he went out of his way to come and put his hand on my shoulder and say, ‘Steve,’ as he led me to the podium, ‘Tell the world about your boy.’”
“My boy was the best of us,” he continued.
Witkoff said he keeps his son’s memory close by wearing his personal belongings, including his watch and ring, and keeping his student ID in his pocket. He did, however, give his guitar to Trump, who displayed it at one of his properties, he said.
“A sacred tribute to a true friend who has gone and to a cause that remains: opioid abuse,” Witkoff said.
Real estate investor Steve Witkoff, a longtime friend of Trump, shared the emotional story of his son’s death from an opioid overdose, recounting how Trump stood by his side during the “unbearable” loss.
