Trump announces series of diplomatic picks, grudgingly includes Morgan Ortagus

As preparation for the presidential transition continues apace, selections to fill a number of key diplomatic roles were just announced by President-elect Donald Trump.

On Friday night, Trump revealed his choices for ambassador to Estonia, spokesperson for the State Department and for the role of deputy special presidential envoy, with the latter pick being a first-term veteran whom he seems to have included somewhat grudgingly, as Fox News reports.

Ortagus tapped as special envoy

For the role of deputy special presidential envoy for Middle East peace, Trump has chosen Morgan Ortagus, currently an active U.S. Navy Reserve intelligence officer and Sirius XM show host who worked in the State Department as a spokesperson during Trump's first term.

Her prior tenure also saw her serve as a member of the team who assisted with Trump's landmark Abraham Accords achievement, though that is not to say that things have always been smooth between the two.

Discussing the appointment on Truth Social, Trump wrote of Ortagus, “Morgan fought me for three years, but hopefully has learned her lesson.”

He went on, “These things usually don't work out, but she has strong Republican support, and I'm not doing this for me, I'm doing it for them.”

Suggesting that he remains skeptical about the decision but will keep an open mind, Trump added, “Let's see what happens.”

Other key picks revealed

In the same announcement, Trump revealed Roman Pipko as his choice to serve as U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Estonia.

Originally hailing from the country to which he is being dispatched, Pipko has a strong background in banking and finance, and he is also a graduate of Yale Law School.

“Roman has represented American companies, negotiating projects in Mongolia, Africa, Russia, Western Europe, and his native Estonia, in cooperation with U.S. Government Agencies, and has worked with Foreign Governments on the enforcement of U.S. sanctions. 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 explained.

Wrapping up his latest round of personnel announcements, Trump declared Fox News contributor and political commentator Tammy Bruce to be his choice to serve as State Department spokesperson.

“After being a liberal activist in the 1990s, [she] saw the lies and fraud of the Radical Left, and quickly became one of the strongest Conservative voices on Radio and Television,” Trump said, also praising the “strength of conviction and fearless spirit,” so many Fox News viewers have also come to appreciate.