Trump Names Morgan Ortagus for Deputy Middle East Peace Envoy

‘She will hopefully be an asset to Steve [Witkoff], a great leader and talent, as we seek to bring calm and prosperity to a very troubled region,’ Trump said.

Morgan Ortagus is seen in a file photograph. Riccardo Savi/Getty Images for Concordia Summit

President-elect Donald Trump has named Morgan Ortagus to be a deputy special presidential envoy for Middle East matters, while indicating some reservations.

Trump announced the appointment in a Jan. 3 post on his social media platform, Truth Social. The incoming president noted that Ortagus would work directly under Steven Witkoff, whom he named in November 2024 to serve as his special envoy to the Middle East.