Staff Reports
In a move that has left the political world scratching its head, President-Elect Donald Trump is tapping Morgan Ortagus for a key role as the Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace. The announcement came via a Truth Social post that could only be described as the political equivalent of the apocalypse for some elitist pundits, and it certainly has raised eyebrows across the conservative landscape.
Ortagus is no stranger to the spotlight, having served as Trump’s State Department spokesperson from 2019 to 2021 where she was part of the team behind the Abraham Accords. Despite her previous service, it’s safe to say that her historical interactions with Trump have been anything but harmonious. Reports indicate that there were times when the two did not exactly sync up, particularly during the 2016 election when Ortagus was more of a benchwarmer than a star player on Team MAGA. Yet here we are, with Trump ready to extend a proverbial olive branch.
Trump picks ex-State Dept. spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus, who attacked his first term foreign policy as “isolationist,” for deputy Mideast Envoy.
She will serve under Trump’s Mideast Envoy nominee Steve Witkoff. Both are Jewish Zionists.
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The President-Elect’s announcement made it clear that he hasn’t forgotten their past skirmishes, candidly recalling that Ortagus fought him for three years. Apparently, she must have learned a lesson in loyalty during that time, which is a cornerstone of Trump’s political philosophy. This new era of cooperation raises a few eyebrows, especially considering Trump’s well-known aversion to disloyalty.
So why take a chance on Ortagus now? Trump reasoned that she has solid backing from the Republican establishment and that this move is all about serving the party rather than his own agenda. It’s a calculated risk, perhaps, as he aims for “calm and prosperity” in the often turbulent Middle East. Whether this gamble will pay off remains to be seen, but those who are familiar with Trump’s style know that he’s willing to roll the dice if he believes it benefits the larger Republican cause.
As speculation swirls around this surprising appointment, one can only wonder how this will ultimately affect Middle Eastern diplomacy and Trump’s strategy going forward. Time will tell whether Ortagus can transform past tensions into a productive partnership. After all, giving second chances is a hallmark of a true leader, even if that leader has a history of firing people who forget their place.
