(Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
European leaders were welcomed to the White House on Monday, but not by President Donald Trump himself. Instead, they were met by former Fox News host Monica Crowley, a move the Trump administration is openly celebrating as a symbol of its new approach.
The White House posted a video montage showing top allies arriving at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, where they were greeted by Crowley, 56, who serves as the administration’s chief of protocol.
Among those shown in the clip were British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Only Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received a personal greeting from Trump. On Instagram, the White House captioned the video, “Peace and American leadership are BACK under President Trump.” Crowley herself added, “It is an honor and a privilege to serve our greatest President and the American people as Chief of Protocol of the United States, and to welcome world leaders to the White House.”
The decision not to meet the majority of European leaders in person raised eyebrows, especially given that Trump has often demanded similar gestures of respect when abroad. Critics argue the move reflects his preference for allies who align more closely with his foreign policy stance.
The event came just days after Trump hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The red-carpet reception included a U.S. Air Force flyover and even a ride in Trump’s presidential limo. Despite the pomp, little progress was reported toward achieving a lasting peace.
When Zelensky arrived in Washington, however, Trump did appear at the White House’s north entrance to greet him. Their handshake marked their first meeting since February, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance confronted him in the Oval Office in what observers described as a hostile exchange.
Zelensky, now seeking firm U.S. security guarantees, appeared notably cordial this time. He is working to secure assurances that Washington will back Ukraine in the event of a peace settlement with Russia.
Trump, meanwhile, has shifted his stance. He has signaled openness to providing Ukraine with security guarantees something he previously rejected though he continues to push for an immediate peace deal that could force Ukraine to cede territory to Russia.
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