President-elect Donald Trump announced on Friday night his latest selections for key roles in his upcoming administration, including appointments for positions impacting diplomacy and public communication.
Trump’s appointees include a deputy special presidential envoy for Middle East peace, an ambassador to Estonia, and a spokesperson for the State Department, as Fox News reports.
Trump revealed that Morgan Ortagus will serve as the deputy special presidential envoy for Middle East peace. Ortagus, who worked on Trump’s Abraham Accords team, brings extensive experience in intelligence and diplomacy to the role.
Currently a Navy Reserve intelligence officer, Ortagus previously served as a spokesperson for the State Department between 2019 and 2021. She also has experience in financial intelligence and worked as Deputy U.S. Treasury Attaché to Saudi Arabia.
Trump expressed mixed sentiments about her appointment, acknowledging her past disagreements with him but highlighting her strong support within the Republican Party. “I’m not doing this for me, I’m doing it for them. Let’s see what happens,” Trump said.
In her new role, Ortagus will report to Steven Witkoff, who was appointed as Middle East envoy in November. Trump underscored the importance of teamwork in achieving diplomatic progress in the region. “We seek to bring calm and prosperity to a very troubled region. I expect great results, and soon!” Trump stated, emphasizing the administration’s focus on achieving peace and stability.
Ortagus also brings private sector expertise as the founder of Polaris National Security and a media background as host of The Morgan Ortagus Show on Sirius XM.
For the role of U.S. ambassador to Estonia, Trump appointed Roman Pipko, an Estonian-born legal expert and seasoned negotiator. Pipko’s career spans multiple continents, including work in Africa, Russia, Western Europe, and Mongolia.
Pipko has represented U.S. interests in international financial institutions and has worked with foreign governments on enforcing American sanctions. His background includes degrees from Columbia University and Yale Law School. Trump praised Pipko as someone who embodies the American dream. “As a legal immigrant, he has lived the promise of America, and I trust that he will advance American interests in his new role,” Trump said.
In a related announcement, Tammy Bruce was tapped to serve as the spokesperson for the State Department. Bruce is a longtime political analyst and conservative commentator with nearly two decades of experience at Fox News.
A USC graduate in political science, Bruce has built a reputation as a staunch conservative voice after her early activism on the left. Trump commended her transformation and praised her as a fearless advocate for conservative values. “She has brought truth to the American people for over two decades. I know she will bring that same strength of conviction to her new position,” Trump said of Bruce.
These appointments reflect Trump’s focus on leveraging individuals with extensive professional and international experience to address pressing global issues. His administration aims to bring fresh energy to diplomatic efforts. The inclusion of figures like Ortagus, Pipko, and Bruce underscores Trump’s reliance on seasoned professionals and trusted allies to advance American interests abroad and at home.
Observers will watch closely as these newly appointed officials transition into their roles, setting the tone for the administration’s foreign policy and communications strategies.
