The Mystery Woman Beside Trump in Alaska Draws Attention — and Putin’s Smile
During Friday’s high-profile U.S.–Russia summit in Alaska, all eyes were expected to be on Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Instead, it was Monica Crowley—America’s Chief of Protocol—who briefly stole the spotlight.
Arriving with Trump, Crowley greeted Putin on the tarmac with a polished handshake and confident smile that even managed to elicit a rare grin from the Russian president.
From Analyst to Diplomatic Power Player
Crowley is no stranger to public life. Once recognized as a Fox News analyst and biographer of Richard Nixon, she has since carved out a quiet but influential role within U.S. diplomacy. As Chief of Protocol, she orchestrates the fine details behind America’s biggest international events, from the placement of flags to the choreography of seating arrangements.
A Growing Role on the World Stage
Though typically working behind the scenes, her new position has put her front and center at critical moments. Confirmed in May after being nominated in December, she now carries the responsibility of overseeing protocol for several milestone occasions ahead—including the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations in 2026, the FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Olympic Games.
An Experienced Hand
Holding a PhD from Columbia and experience as a Treasury Department official, Crowley brings both academic and political weight to the role. But her presence in Alaska suggests her influence is expanding beyond logistics into symbolism—her confident appearance serving as a subtle yet powerful diplomatic gesture.
For a figure who has largely remained in the background, Monica Crowley’s unexpected moment in the spotlight may mark the beginning of a far more visible chapter on the international stage.
