Who Will Trump Pick: Deputy Mideast Envoy, Estonia Ambassador, And State Dept. Spokesperson

With just over a month to go until the presidential inauguration, President Donald Trump faces a number of key decisions about who will lead the State Department and other national security agencies. Among the most closely watched positions is the deputy secretary of state for the Middle East, a role that has been vacant since David Satterfield stepped down in September. Three candidates are reportedly under consideration for the post: career diplomat David Schenker, former Estonia Ambassador James Melville, and State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus.

David Schenker

Schenker, a career Foreign Service officer, is the current Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. He has served in a variety of diplomatic posts, including as U.S. Ambassador to Iraq and chargé d’affaires in Syria. Schenker is known as a tough negotiator who is not afraid to stand up to America’s adversaries. He is also a strong supporter of Israel and a critic of Iran’s nuclear program.

James Melville

Melville, a former Republican congressman from New York, served as U.S. Ambassador to Estonia from 2018 to 2021. Prior to his diplomatic career, Melville was a successful businessman and investment banker. He is known as a close ally of President Trump and is said to be one of the president’s top choices for the deputy secretary of state position.

Morgan Ortagus

Ortagus, a former State Department spokesperson, is a career Foreign Service officer who has served in a variety of diplomatic posts, including as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy. She is a strong supporter of President Trump and his policies. Ortagus is fluent in Arabic and has a deep understanding of the Middle East. She is also a skilled communicator, which would be a valuable asset in the deputy secretary of state role.

Critical Analysis

All three candidates under consideration for the deputy secretary of state for the Middle East position have their own strengths and weaknesses. Schenker is a career diplomat with a deep understanding of the region. Melville is a close ally of President Trump and has a strong business background. Ortagus is a skilled communicator and a strong supporter of the president’s policies.

The decision of who to appoint to this key position will be a difficult one for President Trump. He will need to weigh the candidates’ experience, qualifications, and political views. The president will also need to consider the broader implications of his decision, both domestically and internationally.

The appointment of Schenker would likely be seen as a sign that the Trump administration is committed to a tough approach to Iran and other U.S. adversaries in the Middle East. It would also be seen as a reward for Schenker’s long service in the Foreign Service.

The appointment of Melville would likely be seen as a sign that the Trump administration is looking for a more political appointee to lead the State Department’s Middle East bureau. Melville’s lack of diplomatic experience would likely be seen as a weakness by some, but his close ties to the president could be an asset.

The appointment of Ortagus would likely be seen as a sign that the Trump administration is looking for a more public-facing deputy secretary of state. Ortagus’s skills as a communicator would be valuable in this role, and her support for the president’s policies would likely be welcomed by the White House.

Conclusion

The decision of who to appoint as the next deputy secretary of state for the Middle East will be a difficult one for President Trump. He will need to weigh the candidates’ experience, qualifications, and political views. The president will also need to consider the broader implications of his decision, both domestically and internationally.

The appointment of any of the three candidates under consideration would have a significant impact on U.S. policy in the Middle East. Schenker is a tough negotiator who is not afraid to stand up to America’s adversaries. Melville is a close ally of President Trump and has a strong business background. Ortagus is a skilled communicator and a strong supporter of the president’s policies.

The decision of who to appoint to this key position will be a defining moment for the Trump administration’s Middle East policy.