President-elect Donald Trump has made a surprising choice for his deputy envoy for Middle East peace—Morgan Ortagus, a former State Department spokesperson during his first term under Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. While Ortagus has a strong background in diplomacy and national security, Trump openly admitted that her appointment wasn’t entirely his idea.
Trump revealed that he selected Ortagus after persistent lobbying from others who vouched for her qualifications. It’s worth noting that Pompeo, Ortagus’s former boss, had briefly considered challenging Trump for the 2024 Republican nomination. This context makes her appointment even more interesting.
Wondering who Morgan Ortagus is? Stay tuned! We’ve got everything you need to know about her, including her career, personal life, measurements, and net worth.
Who is Morgan Ortagus?
Morgan Ortagus is an American television commentator, financial analyst, and political advisor, renowned for her extensive experience in diplomacy and national security. She served as the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State from 2019 to 2021 during the Trump administration.
Morgan Ortagus Age
Born on July 10, 1982, in Auburndale, Florida, Ortagus is the daughter of Ronald E. and Denise C. Ortagus.
Her father owned a cleanup and restoration company, while her mother served as the office manager. An identical twin, she grew up in Florida and was crowned Miss Florida Citrus in 2003.
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Ortagus pursued higher education at Florida Southern College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. She later obtained dual Master’s degrees—a Master of Arts in Government and a Master of Business Administration—from Johns Hopkins University in 2013.
She has a personal life that reflects her deep commitment to family, faith, and public service.
Marriage to Jonathan Weinberger
In May 2013, Ortagus married Jonathan Ross Weinberger, an accomplished attorney and businessman. Their wedding ceremony was notably presided over by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., followed by a Jewish ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown.
This marked Ortagus’s second marriage; her first marriage was to Joshua Dobbs, a U.S. Marine officer, which ended in divorce.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Adina, in 2020, adding a new dimension to their lives. Ortagus and Weinberger are known to share glimpses of their family moments on social media, reflecting a balance between their professional commitments and personal life.
Morgan Ortagus Religion: Judaism
Ortagus’s spiritual journey is particularly noteworthy. During her deployment in Baghdad, she developed a profound interest in Judaism, leading to her conversion. This personal transformation underscores her openness to diverse experiences and her commitment to embracing faith in her life.
Morgan Ortagus Career
Balancing a demanding career with family life, Ortagus continues to engage in public service and media, all while maintaining a supportive family environment. Her marriage to Weinberger, who has an extensive background in law and business, complements her own career, with both individuals demonstrating a commitment to their professions and shared values.
Ortagus’s career encompasses significant roles in both government and media:
- Government Service: She began her public service as a deputy attaché and intelligence analyst at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, followed by a position as a public affairs officer at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). From 2019 to 2021, she was the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, where she played a pivotal role in the Abraham Accords, contributing to unprecedented peace agreements in the Middle East.
- Military Service: Ortagus is an officer in the United States Navy Reserve, further demonstrating her commitment to national security.
- Media and Analysis: Prior to her State Department role, she was a national security contributor at Fox News, providing analysis on foreign policy and security issues. She is also the founder of POLARIS National Security and hosts “The Morgan Ortagus Show” on SiriusXM, platforms through which she continues to engage in national security discourse.
On January 3, 2025, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to appoint Ortagus as the Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace in his forthcoming administration. In this capacity, she is expected to work under Steven Witkoff, the designated Special Envoy to the Middle East, to further peace initiatives in the region.
Morgan Ortagus Measurements
Here is a summary of Morgan Ortagus’ body measurements:
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 130 pounds (59 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 37-25-37 inches (94-64-94 cm) |
| Bra Size | 36C |
| Dress Size | 8 (US) |
Morgan Ortagus Net Worth
Morgan Ortagus has an estimated net worth ranging between $3 million and $5 million. This wealth is attributed to her diverse career in government service, media, and the private sector.
Sources of Income:
- Government Positions: Ortagus served as the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State from 2019 to 2021, a role that provided a government salary.
- Media Engagements: She has been a national security contributor for Fox News and currently hosts “The Morgan Ortagus Show” on SiriusXM, contributing to her income.
- Private Sector Roles: Her experience includes positions in financial services and consulting, such as her tenure at Ernst & Young (EY) and Standard Chartered Bank, which have significantly contributed to her net worth.
Advocacy
Beyond her official roles, Ortagus is actively involved in promoting democracy and security:
- POLARIS National Security: As the founder of this organization, she focuses on addressing contemporary national security challenges and fostering informed policy discussions.
- Women’s Democracy Network: Serving as co-chair, she advocates for women’s participation in democratic processes worldwide.
- China Center at Hudson Institute: As a member of the board of advisors, she contributes to strategic discussions on U.S.-China relations.
Ortagus’s multifaceted career reflects a steadfast dedication to public service, national security, and international diplomacy. Her forthcoming role as Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace underscores her continued influence and commitment to fostering global stability.
