President-elect Donald Trump has announced via Truth Social that Morgan Ortagus, his former State Department spokesperson, will serve as the Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace. This announcement comes as part of Trump's efforts to bring calm and prosperity to a troubled region.
In a post made on Friday afternoon, Trump revealed that Ortagus will be working under Steven Witkoff, a New York real estate tycoon who was selected as the Middle East envoy in November. Trump expressed optimism about Ortagus' potential impact in her new role, despite acknowledging their past disagreements.
Ortagus, who is an active U.S. Navy Reserve intelligence officer, previously served as the spokesperson at the Department of State from 2019 to 2021. During her time at the State Department, she was a key member of Trump's Abraham Accords team, focusing on diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
Prior to her role at the State Department, Ortagus worked at the Department of the Treasury as a financial intelligence analyst. She also served as the Deputy U.S. Treasury Attaché to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2010 to 2011, gaining valuable experience in the region.
Additionally, Ortagus is the founder of Polaris National Security, showcasing her expertise in national security matters. With her background in intelligence, diplomacy, and financial analysis, Ortagus brings a diverse skill set to her new position as Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace.
Trump emphasized his expectations for great results in the region and expressed confidence in Ortagus' ability to contribute positively to Witkoff's efforts. As the situation in the Middle East remains complex and challenging, Ortagus' appointment signals a continued focus on advancing peace and stability in the region.
