Trump taps Senate staffer as National Security Council’s Middle East director

President-elect selects Republican Senate staffer and Muslim Brotherhood critic to lead NSC Middle East team, as he prepares to tackle Gaza war and expand Abraham Accords in second term.

Eric Trager speaks during a 2017 event about religious minorities in Egypt.

Eric Trager speaks during a 2017 event about religious minorities in Egypt.

(photo credit: SCREENSHOT FROM YOUTUBE/JTA)

ByPHILISSA CRAMER/JTA

JANUARY 9, 2025 04:08