In the midst of a flurry of activity and diplomatic engagements, the White House has once again showcased President Trump’s commitment to global diplomacy while underscoring American strength on the world stage. While President Trump himself was not the first face to greet international dignitaries arriving at this week’s historic meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky, the red carpet was unfurled with precision by Chief of Protocol Ambassador Monica Crowley. It’s always good to know that even the most hurried high-stakes events can be handled with the precision of a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl.
Ambassador Crowley, the maestro behind these elaborate productions, clearly revels in her role, bringing together her team’s orchestration skills to make sure the bells and whistles of American diplomacy are heard across the globe. One can’t help but chuckle at how she deftly manages to keep the gears oiled, right from setting the optics to making sure each piece of the puzzle fits just right. And in politics, where image can speak volumes, these efforts clearly have their place.
The surprises didn’t stop with the pageantry on the ground. President Trump, ever the showman, managed to add his signature touch to the summit with an unexpected aerial display featuring American fighter jets. Now that’s how you keep both friends and foes alike on their toes. One can only wonder at President Putin’s face when the fighter jets buzzed overhead. Talk about flexing those diplomatic muscles. It’s moments like these that scream, “America is back!”
In addition to managing international summits, Ambassador Crowley has the added responsibility of preparing the nation for its 250th birthday celebrations, the World Cup, and the Olympics. She seems unfazed, perhaps because there’s nothing like celebrating a birthday with a parade and global attention to unite a country. Let’s hope these events are as successful in uniting Americans as they are in entertaining the world, because as it stands, perhaps what this administration needs is another fireworks show to keep the unity going.
As the grand events unfold, one can enjoy the sweet symmetry of having Donald J. Trump as the ringmaster for these celebrations. The next few years promise fanfare aplenty, complete with a heaping side of American patriotism, and maybe—just maybe—a chance to see a nation come together. Fingers crossed, as everyone steels themselves for what should be quite a spectacle.
