Jalil Afridi
Washington DC: The U.S. State Department has confirmed it is aware of reports that Gentry Beach — a longtime friend, hunting partner, and business associate of Donald Trump Jr. — and the son of real estate mogul Steve Witkoff recently visited Pakistan and met with senior government and military officials, including the Prime Minister and Army Chief.
The visit has sparked a wave of questions regarding the possible revival of a Trump Tower project in Islamabad and the potential entry of Trump-linked associates into Pakistan’s burgeoning cryptocurrency sector.
Responding to inquiries by The Frontier Post, a State Department spokesperson stated:
“We are aware of the reports, however the State Department does not comment on the travel of private U.S. citizens.”
When asked whether the department could confirm discussions about a Trump Tower or a possible diplomatic role for Steve Witkoff, the spokesperson said:
“We would refer your questions to the White House and the Trump Organization, as they concern presidential appointments and private business matters related to the Trump family.”
The Frontier Post also raised concerns about the legal implications of private U.S. citizens meeting foreign government officials without prior disclosure to the U.S. government, as required under the Logan Act and the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). This is especially relevant in this case, given Gentry Beach’s deep personal and professional ties to the Trump family.
Notably, cryptocurrency appears to be the new love story binding President Trump’s administration and Pakistan’s ruling elite. Observers say that crypto business interests have created a convenient backchannel — and may explain why the current U.S. administration appears to be turning a blind eye to ongoing human rights abuses and the erosion of democratic norms in Pakistan.
Despite increasing international criticism of Pakistan’s suppression of dissent, censorship, and political trials of opposition leaders, Washington has remained conspicuously silent — a silence many attribute to financial and strategic interests tied to digital assets and real estate.
The Frontier Post will continue to follow developments and seek further clarification from both U.S. and Pakistani officials.
