Trump picks ex-State Dept. spokeswoman Ortagus for deputy Mideast envoy
President-elect Donald Trump made a significant announcement on Truth Social, revealing that his former State Department spokesperson, Morgan Ortagus, will be stepping into the role of Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace. This announcement comes as a part of Trump’s efforts to bring stability and prosperity to a region that has long been plagued by conflict.
In his post on Friday afternoon, Trump expressed his confidence in Ortagus, stating that she had previously challenged him for three years but had ultimately earned his trust. He emphasized her strong Republican support and expressed his hopes for a successful partnership with Steven Witkoff, the New York real estate tycoon who was selected as the Middle East envoy in November.
As a former U.S. Navy Reserve intelligence officer, Ortagus brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She previously served as a spokesperson at the Department of State from 2019 to 2021, where she was a key member of Trump’s Abraham Accords team. Additionally, Ortagus has a background in financial intelligence analysis, having worked at the Department of the Treasury and served as Deputy U.S. Treasury Attaché to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Beyond her government service, Ortagus is also known for her work in the private sector. She is the founder of Polaris National Security and hosts “The Morgan Ortagus Show” on Sirius XM. With her diverse background and expertise in international relations, Ortagus is well-positioned to contribute to the administration’s efforts in the Middle East.
Trump’s decision to appoint Ortagus as Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace underscores his commitment to addressing longstanding challenges in the region. By assembling a team of experienced professionals, including Ortagus and Witkoff, Trump is signaling his dedication to achieving meaningful progress in the pursuit of peace and stability.
