In a surprising turn of events, Monica Crowley, newly appointed as the Chief of Protocol under President Donald Trump, played a pivotal role in a high-profile summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The summit aimed at addressing potential measures to cease hostilities in Ukraine.
The discussions, centered on achieving peace between Russia and Ukraine, did not conclude with a solid agreement, despite lengthy negotiations.
Crowley, previously known for her work with Fox News, has transitioned into a crucial position within the Trump administration that involves orchestrating the protocol for international gatherings hosted by the U.S.
Before she stepped into her current role, Crowley enriched her portfolio with experiences ranging from media to government. Her career includes a tenure as the assistant secretary of the treasury for public affairs during Trump’s first term, where she received the Alexander Hamilton Award.
Throughout her career, Crowley has not only engaged in broadcasting but also authored best-selling books on former President Richard Nixon, providing her a broad understanding of both media and governmental operations. Her new role requires her to manage the logistical aspects of official visits, ensuring adherence to protocol and coordination of event details like flag arrangements and payments.
Crowley’s efforts are not solely tied to her organizational skills. Her presence is mandated at all official visits President Trump attends, signifying her indispensable role in these high-stakes events.
The summit between Trump and Putin, located at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, turned out to be a crucial meeting, primarily focusing on strategizing a ceasefire in Ukraine. Monica Crowley's meticulous planning was evident as she facilitated the arrangements and even saw President Putin off after the discussions concluded.
The handshake shared between Crowley and Putin, described as amiable, was one among the many diplomatic nuances managed during the meeting. However, the precise details of Crowley's plans for Putin's visit remain undisclosed.
Another striking moment from the summit was the brief joint press conference that lasted only 12 minutes after over three hours of private conversations between the leaders, indicating the intensive discussions that took place behind closed doors.
Looking ahead, Crowley is set to oversee several significant events on the American calendar. Her portfolio includes planning for America’s 250th Birthday celebrations, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, all of which will require her acute attention to protocol and event management.
Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, enthusiastically expressed his goal to "stop the killing," urging a rapid agreement to cease hostilities. This reveals the urgency and the stakes involved in the discussions, but also points to the complexities of reaching an immediate resolution.
"We had an extremely productive meeting, and many points were agreed upon. We didn’t get there, but we have a very good chance of getting there," declared Trump, showing a mix of optimism and realism about the outcomes of the summit.
Despite the absence of a definitive peace agreement, proposals such as potential land swaps and security guarantees for Ukraine became the focal point of international debates, showcasing the global impact of this summit.
Interestingly, Trump proposed a controversial plan that would see Ukraine receive similar protections as NATO countries, without including it in the alliance, adding another layer of complexity to international military politics and alliance strategies.
