Trump Appoints Morgan Ortagus as Deputy Middle East Envoy Despite Past Criticism

The president-elect announced the selection of Ortagus, a former State Department spokesperson and vocal early critic, in a statement expressing mixed confidence in her appointment.

• President-elect Donald Trump has named Morgan Ortagus as Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace, a key diplomatic role under his administration.
• Ortagus, who previously served as State Department spokesperson during Trump’s first term, was once a vocal critic of Trump during the 2016 Republican primaries.
• In his announcement, Trump acknowledged Ortagus’s past opposition and expressed tempered expectations, citing her strong Republican backing as a key factor in her selection.
• Ortagus has extensive experience in foreign policy, including roles at the Treasury Department, USAID, and as a U.S. Navy Reserve Intelligence Officer.
• She will work under Steve Witkoff, Trump’s newly appointed Special Envoy to the Middle East, as part of efforts to address peace and stability in the region.

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