President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, on Monday insisted that America would insist on reciprocal agreements with foreign nations and no longer blindly fund other countries.

"We are done carrying a financial burden for nations that are unwilling to fund their own progress, the days of blank checks are over," he said at the presidential parade after Trump took the oath of office. "Partnerships under President Trump's leadership must be equitable, and contributions must reflect shared commitments to our goals."

Witkoff recently received widespread credit for helping to push an Israel-Gaza ceasefire deal over the line ahead of Trump returning to office.

"In my work, I've seen firsthand how these principles resonate," he said. "They provide a foundation that transcends politics and speaks to the shared humanity of all people in a region. Leaders across the Middle East recognized that this Trump administration is serious about results, not symbolic gestures, but real, meaningful progress that improves lives."

"His ability to cut through bureaucratic gridlock and focus on tangible results is the game changer. It allows me to approach delicate negotiations with the confidence that the full weight of the United States is behind me," he added.

"It's not always easy. There are moments of deep challenge and frustration. Decades of mistrust cannot be undone overnight," he warned. "Yet I take comfort in knowing that I am not in this alone. President Trump's clarity of vision ensures that I never have to question what success looks like. His leadership provides the confidence and direction necessary to navigate these complexities as we move forward."