Axios: Trump official Adam Boehler avoids Senate confirmation after Hamas talks spark anger

Adam Boehler, who played a pivotal role in overseeing direct negotiations with Hamas on behalf of President Trump, has withdrawn his nomination for the position of special presidential envoy for hostage affairs.

Two White House officials revealed in a conversation with Axios that Boehler’s decision to step back was a planned move for the past two weeks, per Caliber.Az.

It was intended to shift him into a different presidential envoy role, one with a broader mandate and, crucially, without the need for Senate confirmation.

Boehler has been at the centre of a political and media storm since it was reported by Axios that he had met directly with Hamas officials, making him the first US official to do so. Although these talks were approved by Trump, they triggered strong reactions from some Senate Republicans, who privately raised concerns with the White House. This tension may have made Senate confirmation of his position difficult.

Last week, Axios reported that Boehler had held two meetings with senior Hamas officials in Doha, with the goal of negotiating the release of American hostages held by the group in Gaza.

These talks have caused significant anger within the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, including an angry phone call with Netanyahu’s close confidant, Ron Dermer. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Boehler’s negotiations with Hamas were a “one-off” and underscored that Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Whitkoff, is the primary channel for discussions regarding the Gaza hostage deal.

Whitkoff is conducting negotiations through Qatari mediators, not direct talks with Hamas.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Boehler would continue to serve as a special government employee focused on hostage negotiations.

She noted that Boehler had played a critical role in securing the release of Marc Fogel from Russia and would continue to work on bringing wrongfully detained individuals worldwide back home.

By Tamilla Hasanova