Anchorage was teeming with cameras, microphones, and satellite trucks on Friday as the historic summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin unfolded. With an estimated 400 members of the national and international press corps in town, many Alaskans unexpectedly found themselves in the media spotlight.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy was among the most visible, appearing on Fox & Friends and Fox Business to discuss Alaska’s role in the event and later joining commentator Tim Young on his popular Tim Runs His Mouth podcast.
At the pro-America rally near the Midtown Mall intersection of Seward Highway and Northern Lights Boulevard, several locals spoke with international news outlets. Political activist Portia Erickson, Iditarod veteran Burt Bomhof, and Republican Party activist Dave Morgan all gave interviews.
But perhaps no American drew more media attention — other than Trump himself — than Republican gubernatorial candidate Bernadette Wilson. Already a rising political figure on the national stage, Wilson was featured across multiple outlets including Newsmax, NewsNation, Fox News, and the Todd Starnes radio show on Friday, all while joining other Alaskans at the pro-America rally. Her presence highlighted how the summit became a launching pad for Alaska voices to reach audiences far beyond the 49th state.
The summit itself dominated international headlines, but for many Alaskans, Friday was also a chance to see familiar faces on television screens across the country. Here are some clips from some of the star-powered media interviews with Alaskans:
Dunleavy also appeared on Steve Bannon’s Warroom