President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Morgan Ortagus as Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace. Ortagus, who previously served as the State Department spokesperson from 2019 to 2021 during Trump's administration, was known for her critical stance toward Iran and China.



In his announcement, Trump acknowledged Ortagus's prior criticisms, stating, "Morgan fought me for three years, but hopefully has learned her lesson." He added, "These things usually don’t work out, but she has strong Republican support, and I’m not doing this for me, I’m doing it for them. Let’s see what happens."


Ortagus will work under Steven Witkoff, a New York real estate tycoon selected as the Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace in November. Trump expressed hope that Ortagus would be an asset to Witkoff, stating, "We seek to bring calm and prosperity to a very troubled region. I expect great results, and soon!"


Ortagus's prior experience includes serving as a public affairs officer at USAID and as an intelligence analyst at the Department of the Treasury. She is also an officer in the United States Navy Reserve.


This appointment is part of a series of selections by Trump for his upcoming administration, including Roman Pipko as U.S. Ambassador to Estonia and Tammy Bruce as spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State.


Ortagus's role will involve assisting in efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, building upon her previous work during the Trump administration, including her involvement in the Abraham Accords.

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Morgan Ortagus’s Background:

  1. State Department Experience:
    Ortagus served as the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department under Secretary of State Mike Pompeo from 2019 to 2021. During this time, she was a vocal critic of adversarial nations like Iran and China, aligning closely with Trump’s foreign policy goals despite her earlier criticisms of him.

  2. Previous Criticisms of Trump:
    Ortagus had been critical of Trump during his initial presidential campaign, particularly over his stance on foreign policy and his unorthodox approach to diplomacy. However, she later became a staunch supporter of his administration's policies.

  3. Military and Policy Credentials:
    Ortagus has significant experience in U.S. foreign policy, with a focus on Middle Eastern affairs. She also serves as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, adding a layer of military expertise to her diplomatic and policy credentials.

Trump’s Reluctance and Decision:

  • Trump’s comments reflect a mix of caution and pragmatism:
    "Let’s see what happens."
    His decision to appoint Ortagus appears to be influenced by her Republican backing and her established track record, despite her past criticism.

  • This move highlights Trump’s occasional willingness to overlook personal grievances in favor of perceived competence and alignment with broader Republican interests.

Challenges and Expectations in the Role:

  1. Middle East Peace Process:
    Ortagus’s new role will involve significant challenges, including addressing ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine, countering Iranian influence, and fostering stability in the region. The Trump administration previously brokered the Abraham Accords, and her appointment suggests a focus on continuing these diplomatic efforts.

  2. Team Dynamics:
    Working under Steven Witkoff, a real estate mogul with limited prior government experience, could present coordination challenges. Ortagus’s experience may be pivotal in bridging gaps between policy-making and ground-level diplomacy.

Broader Implications:

  • Political Signal:
    This appointment signals Trump’s intent to build a team that combines loyalty with expertise, even if it means integrating former critics.

  • Potential Pushback:
    Critics might see the decision as a political compromise, while supporters may view it as an example of Trump prioritizing results over personal feelings.

This appointment and others in Trump’s lineup for his administration hint at a focus on both consolidating Republican support and delivering results in high-stakes foreign policy areas. If you’d like, I can delve deeper into her policies or the broader implications of this decision!