Monica Crowley outlines priorities for Office of Protocol, highlights soft power role

Monica Crowley, President Trump's nominee for chief of protocol, appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee April 3 and described the Office of Protocol as a key instrument of U.S. soft power that supports visits, ceremonials, diplomatic affairs, Blair House operations and large international events.

Crowley said she would "treat [the office] with the committed dedication it deserves" and highlighted the office's seven divisions — visits, Blair House, ceremonials, diplomatic affairs, diplomatic partnerships, management and major events — as her operational focus if confirmed.

Senator Ted Cruz introduced Crowley as a longtime friend and supporter. Crowley recounted public-service and academic credentials, including graduate study in international relations and prior service as assistant secretary of the treasury in President Trump's first term; she said her team at Treasury received the Alexander Hamilton Award for public service while she led communications on major policies.

Committee members questioned Crowley about the Office of Protocol's role in preparing for multilateral gatherings and large U.S.-hosted events. Crowley said she would work closely with diplomatic security and the U.S. Secret Service to ensure safety and smooth execution and described international events — including the FIFA World Cup, the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games — as opportunities to showcase "American greatness, American leadership, American dynamism, the American spirit."

When asked whether the office could influence broader policy, Crowley said the chief of protocol executes the administration's diplomatic priorities rather than setting policy. She pledged to maintain professionalism in the office, to ensure political appointees and career staff work together, and to use the protocol function to support the president's diplomatic agenda.

Crowley also discussed the Blair House role in hosting visiting dignitaries and said she would aim to ensure visiting delegations had a five-star experience while supporting U.S. diplomatic objectives.

The committee agreed to submit additional questions for the record; no committee confirmation vote was held at the hearing.