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Morgan Ortagus, the U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, has reportedly been placed on administrative leave amid allegations of a romantic relationship with Lebanese banker Antoun Sehnaoui, according to claims from Lebanese and American media outlets.
The controversy centers on a leaked receipt from Tiffany & Co.'s Fifth Avenue store in New York, dated December 13-14, 2025, allegedly showing a purchase of luxury jewelry totaling $59,881.25. The receipt purportedly lists Sehnaoui as the cardholder and "Ortagus Morgan" as the associated name, with items including a platinum watch valued at $43,000 and a platinum diamond pendant priced at $12,000.
Given Ortagus' role in shaping U.S. policy toward Lebanon and Sehnaoui's position as a prominent figure in Lebanese banking with reported ties to contentious political and financial networks, the alleged relationship has sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Ortagus, 43, serves as Deputy Special Presidential Envoy for Middle East Peace under Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, a position she assumed in January 2025 following her appointment by U.S. President Donald Trump. She previously served as spokesperson for the State Department from 2019 to 2021 during Trump's first administration and worked as a Fox News national security contributor.
During her State Department tenure, Ortagus played a key role in the Abraham Accords and was notably critical of Iran and China. She has been an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve since 2014 and previously worked as a deputy attache and intelligence analyst at the Treasury Department.
On Feb. 7, Ortagus met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, stating that Hezbollah "won't be able to terrorize the Lebanese people" and emphasizing U.S. opposition to the group's role in Lebanon's government. The Lebanese presidency reportedly downplayed her remarks.
According to U.S. right-wing political activist Laura Loomer, the Trump administration allegedly placed Ortagus on administrative leave due to the reported relationship. Lebanese media claimed that Ortagus has been living separately from her husband, Jonathan Weinberger, an American attorney, and their daughter while frequently traveling to Lebanon. Rumors of an affair with Sehnaoui have allegedly circulated since mid-2025, with some reports suggesting she filed for divorce.
Antoun Sehnaoui, 53, serves as Chairman and CEO of Societe Generale de Banque au Liban (SGBL), a major international banking group. Beyond his banking role, Sehnaoui works as a film producer and arts patron with deep connections to Lebanon's financial elite.
However, Sehnaoui's background allegedly includes controversial elements that heighten concerns about the reported relationship. According to the sources, he has reportedly faced U.S. court investigation into potential money laundering for Hezbollah through his bank. The United States designates Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
Sehnaoui has also allegedly funded Jnoud al-Rab (Soldiers of God), described as an ultra-right-wing Christian conservative group in Lebanon. Despite the Hezbollah-related allegations, he has reportedly supported U.S.-Israeli initiatives and has been photographed at events with diplomats wearing pro-Israel symbols. He has also allegedly backed a U.S.-Israeli opera initiative connecting major opera houses.
The timing of the luxury purchase has drawn particular attention, with the transaction occurring shortly before Christmas and fueling speculation that the items were gifts exchanged during the alleged relationship.
A personal relationship between a senior U.S. diplomat and a Lebanese banker with reported ties to both Hezbollah-related investigations and Israeli support initiatives could compromise American credibility in the region. Ortagus' position involves sensitive negotiations on Middle East peace and Lebanon policy—areas where Sehnaoui's influence as a key banking figure could potentially create direct conflicts of interest.
Neither Ortagus nor Sehnaoui has publicly commented on the receipt or the relationship allegations. The U.S. State Department has not responded to requests for clarification. As of now, the story has primarily circulated through conservative media outlets and Lebanese sources, with major mainstream outlets yet to independently verify the claims.
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