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President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Morgan Ortagus, a seasoned diplomat and former State Department spokesperson, to serve as Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace in his upcoming administration. The move signals Trump’s focus on leveraging experienced hands to build on the successes of the Abraham Accords and advance peace and stability in the region.
Ortagus, a U.S. Navy Reserve intelligence officer, is no stranger to high-stakes diplomacy. As the State Department’s spokesperson from 2019 to 2021, she became a key figure in articulating U.S. foreign policy and advancing initiatives aimed at fostering cooperation in the Middle East. Prior to her tenure in the State Department, she served as Deputy U.S. Treasury Attaché to Saudi Arabia and worked extensively on financial intelligence and counter-terrorism at the Department of the Treasury.
Notably, Ortagus was once a vocal critic of Trump, particularly during the contentious 2016 Republican primary. At the time, she expressed strong opposition to his rhetoric and approach, describing some of his actions as “disgusting.” However, her later role in his administration and her commitment to the policies she championed during that time appear to have bridged any lingering divides. Trump acknowledged her past criticism in his announcement, quipping, “Morgan fought me for three years, but I think she’s learned her lesson.”
In her new position, Ortagus will work alongside Steven Witkoff, a real estate executive appointed as the Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace. Together, they are tasked with navigating one of the world’s most complex geopolitical landscapes to foster dialogue, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Ortagus’s appointment also underscores her broader contributions to national security and foreign policy. Beyond her government service, she is the founder of Polaris National Security, a think tank dedicated to promoting U.S. leadership on the global stage. She also brings her insights to the public through The Morgan Ortagus Show on Sirius XM.
The decision to appoint Ortagus reflects Trump’s ambition to assemble a team of experienced and dynamic leaders for his administration. With her extensive background in Middle East affairs and her deep understanding of diplomatic challenges, Ortagus is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s approach to the region in the years ahead.