In a surprising move, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Morgan Ortagus, a former Fox News contributor and ex-State Department spokesperson, as Deputy Special Envoy for Middle East Peace. The nomination came with a candid acknowledgment of past disagreements, as Trump admitted that Ortagus had “fought” him for three years.
Despite these tensions, Trump expressed hope that Ortagus had “learned her lesson,” noting that she could become a valuable asset in the Middle East negotiations, working alongside Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Ortagus, who previously criticized Trump’s foreign policy on Fox News, where she called his “isolationist” stance “disgusting,” has since pivoted to a more supportive stance of Trump and his “America First” ideology. Trump’s acknowledgment of their past squabbles is rare for a public announcement, especially for a high-level diplomatic post.
Trump went on to clarify that, despite his personal reservations, the nomination was driven by the strong Republican support Ortagus has garnered.
According to Trump, many influential GOP figures, including Marco Rubio and Lindsey Graham, backed her appointment, signaling that it was as much a strategic decision to please the party’s leadership as it was about her qualifications. He added that appointments like this often don’t “work out,” but he was willing to give Ortagus a chance.
With her ties to high-ranking Republicans and her pivot to supporting Trump’s foreign policy, Ortagus’ appointment as Deputy Special Envoy signals a potentially significant shift in Middle East diplomacy.
However, the success of this nomination will depend on how she navigates the complexities of the region and the high expectations placed on her by both the administration and the Republican establishment.
