Ortagus tipped to replace Barrack as US envoy to Lebanon

Reports on Friday sparked speculation about a change in the U.S. diplomatic approach toward Lebanon, with claims that Morgan Ortagus would be reinstated as special envoy to the country and that Tom Barrack would no longer oversee the Lebanese portfolio. However, a U.S. State Department spokesperson quickly dismissed the rumors, telling Al-Hadath they were “baseless.”

Despite this denial, the rumors shed light on ongoing tensions within U.S. policy circles regarding the sensitive Lebanon file—particularly over how to handle Hezbollah and navigate internal Lebanese politics.

Conflicting Approaches and Political Friction

Morgan Ortagus, a prominent figure during former President Donald Trump’s administration, was previously accused of employing a heavy-handed diplomatic style in Lebanon. Her successor, Tom Barrack—an Arab-American with Lebanese heritage—has taken a more nuanced approach but faced criticism for inconsistent positions on Hezbollah’s disarmament.

Barrack’s tenure overseeing Lebanon came alongside his diplomatic roles as U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, signaling the complexity and overlap in Washington’s Middle East policy framework. Reports suggested Ortagus was removed due to internal U.S. political considerations rather than Lebanon-specific issues.

Adding fuel to the speculation, conservative commentator Laura Loomer posted on X that Ortagus was being reassigned elsewhere within the Trump administration. According to Loomer, Ortagus had hoped to be appointed as envoy to Syria, a position ultimately given to Barrack.

Trump’s Reluctant Endorsement of Ortagus

Morgan Ortagus, once a vocal critic of Donald Trump during his 2016 primary campaign, later became a trusted ally within Republican foreign policy circles. She forged strong relationships with senior GOP figures, including Senator Lindsey Graham, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and former national security advisor Mike Waltz. She also worked closely with Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, during the former president’s first term.

Despite their turbulent history, Trump appointed Ortagus to a high-profile diplomatic role earlier this year. In a characteristically blunt statement, Trump said, “Early on Morgan fought me for three years, but hopefully has learned her lesson.” He explained his decision as a nod to her widespread support among Republican leadership: “I’m not doing this for me, I’m doing it for them.”

Backlash in Lebanon and Israel

Ortagus’s previous tenure stirred controversy both inside Lebanon and abroad. According to reports in Lebanon’s Al-Akhbar newspaper, she clashed with top military officials, notably Army Commander Rodolphe Haykal. President Joseph Aoun allegedly voiced his dissatisfaction with her confrontational tone and interactions with Lebanese leadership.

Her approach also drew criticism for undiplomatic remarks. Al-Akhbar reported that she insulted various political figures, including a comment directed at former MP Walid Jumblatt that caused discomfort among U.S. allies in Lebanon.

Still, Ortagus maintained strong support from pro-Israel advocates. An Israeli journalist from Channel 14 argued that her departure could negatively impact Israel, citing her consistent advocacy for disarming Hezbollah as a key reason.

Uncertain Future for Lebanon Diplomacy

While the reports of Ortagus returning remain unconfirmed, the speculation underscores broader uncertainty surrounding U.S. strategy in Lebanon, especially as the country continues to grapple with deep political instability, economic crisis, and mounting pressure to address Hezbollah’s role.

For now, the shifting narratives highlight a deeper struggle in defining how Washington engages with Lebanon—and whether the U.S. will lean toward hardline diplomacy or nuanced negotiation in the months ahead.