At Friday’s high-stakes summit in Alaska, the surprise star wasn’t Trump or Putin—it was Monica Crowley, the Chief of Protocol. Poised and camera-ready, Crowley charmed the famously stony Russian leader on the tarmac at Elmendorf Air Force Base, earning a rare visible grin from Putin. Her role may usually be behind the scenes, but on Friday, it was impossible to ignore. Before managing protocol for world leaders, Crowley was a political analyst and bestselling author, known for her work on President Nixon.
Now, as Chief of Protocol, she oversees every detail of major diplomatic events, coordinating with ambassadors, arranging official meetings, and ensuring flags, seating, and ceremonial steps are flawless. Her careful orchestration included the 2.5-hour closed-door meeting between Trump and Putin, reportedly discussing land swaps and non-NATO security guarantees for Ukraine.
Trump nominated Crowley in December, and she was sworn in on May 30. She will oversee America’s 250th Independence Day celebration, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Crowley’s career spans decades: she holds a Columbia PhD, served as assistant secretary of the Treasury for public affairs during Trump’s first term, and earned the Alexander Hamilton Award for public service.
She worked as a foreign policy aide to Nixon, authored two bestselling books, and hosted The Monica Crowley Show on WABC Radio, often appearing on NPR. Though she has largely stayed out of the spotlight, Friday’s summit proved her influence is unmistakable. With global events ahead, Monica Crowley has firmly secured her place at the diplomatic table.
