Eric Trager Expected to Lead Middle East Policy on Trump’s National Security Council

The Egypt expert and Republican staffer is anticipated to advise on key regional issues, including the Gaza conflict and Israel-Arab relations.

Eric Trager, a Republican Senate staffer and Egypt expert, is reported to be President-elect Trump's pick for Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa on the National Security Council.
If confirmed, Trager would replace Brett McGurk, a key figure in the Biden administration's handling of the Israel-Hamas war and other Middle East negotiations.
Trager's background includes years as a research fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, focusing on Egypt, Islamism, and U.S. foreign policy, as well as academic roles at multiple universities.
The anticipated appointment would place Trager at the forefront of efforts to address the Gaza conflict, maintain regional ceasefires, and expand the Abraham Accords between Israel and Arab nations.
Trump's transition team has not officially confirmed the appointment, but it has drawn praise from conservative and pro-Israel voices for Trager's expertise and policy positions.