Washington DC [US]: Donald Trump announced the appointment of Morgan Ortagus as America’s Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace, under Steven Witkoff. The announcement was made on Saturday via Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social.
The 45th and soon to be 47th President of the United States @realDonaldTrump! 💪
— Morgan Ortagus (@MorganOrtagus) November 4, 2024
Under your leadership:
🇺🇸America will be first again
🇺🇸Our enemies will fear us again
🇺🇸Iran will be in a box again
🇺🇸Our allies will trust us again#TrumpVance2024 pic.twitter.com/lZ2HrwyE5L
In his post, Trump remarked, “I am pleased to announce Morgan Ortagus as Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace, to the Honorable Steven Witkoff. Early on Morgan fought me for three years, but hopefully has learned her lesson. 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. She will hopefully be an asset to Steve, a great leader and talent, as we seek to bring calm and prosperity to a very troubled region. I expect great results, and soon!”
Ortagus’ Background:
Trump highlighted Ortagus’ extensive experience in diplomacy and national security. She is currently an active US Navy Reserve Intelligence Officer. Between 2019 and 2021, Ortagus served as the Spokesperson for the Department of State under Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, playing a key role in the Abraham Accords team, which achieved significant strides in Middle East peace efforts.
Ortagus previously worked as a financial intelligence analyst at the Department of the Treasury and served as Deputy U.S. Treasury Attaché to Saudi Arabia from 2010 to 2011. Her expertise in Middle Eastern diplomacy and finance adds significant depth to her new role.
Ortagus’ Response:
After the announcement, Ortagus expressed her gratitude on X (formerly Twitter):
“I am honored that President Trump appointed me to the role of Deputy Presidential Envoy to the Middle East, under my dear friend Steve Witkoff. To be given the opportunity to once again represent my country and the Trump Administration in a crucial diplomatic role is a dream come true. The most important thing is that through President Trump, we bring peace and stability to a troubled region, and I’m grateful to play a small role in that endeavor.”
This appointment comes as part of broader efforts by Trump to continue engaging in the Middle East peace process, leveraging the successes of the Abraham Accords to foster stability and prosperity in the region.