In a groundbreaking move, President Donald Trump has dispatched a unique diplomatic team to Lebanon, signaling a new chapter in U.S. Middle East policy.
The mission, described as a "1-2 punch," features envoys of both Arab and Jewish backgrounds—Thomas Barrack and Morgan Ortagus—working together on a high-profile assignment.
Barrack, a Lebanese-American businessman and longtime Trump ally, brings his deep ties in the Arab world, while Ortagus, a former U.S. State Department spokesperson and policy advisor, adds diplomatic experience and strong connections within Jewish and pro-Israel circles.
The combination underscores Trump’s approach of pairing cultural familiarity with political strength to push forward his regional agenda, particularly amid efforts to counter Hezbollah’s influence and advance normalization initiatives.