Morgan Deann Ortagus

About

American diplomat, political advisor, intelligence analyst, and U.S. Navy Reserve officer who served as the 28th Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State from 2019 to 2021. Prior to her appointment, she worked as a national security contributor for Fox News. In 2025, she was appointed Deputy Special President Envoy to the Middle East. She is also the founder of POLARIS National Security, and she has served as co-chair of the International Republican Institute's Women's Democracy Network. 

Before Fame

She initially pursued an education in music; however, after the September 11 terrorist attacks, she made the decision to switch majors. She obtained a bachelor's degree in political science from Florida Southern College before going on to earn dual master's degrees in government and business administration from Johns Hopkins University. 

Trivia

As a teen, she was a pageant contestant and won titles including Miss Auburndale and Miss Florida Citrus. While serving overseas, she converted to Judaism. 

Family Life

She and her identical twin sister were born to parents Ronald E. and Denise C. Ortagus. Her father was the owner of a cleanup and restoration company, while her mother managed the company's office. She married attorney Jonathan Weinberger in 2013. Together, they share a daughter named Adina. 

Associated With

After announcing her candidacy for Tennessee's 5th congressional district's Republican nomination in 2022, she received endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump. She is also a close friend of Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump.