When Pres. Trump handed out the souvenir pens, Elaine Chao tried to get in some words about the supply chain.
Not certain exactly why she was there (of course, supply chain is important) but anyway she was one of only two women and the only non-European white person in a sea of white European males. For better or otherwise, people on both sides of the diversity is strength issue will take note. Also Chao is from Taiwan and so both ROC and PRC people will take note. IMHO they could have included her (few) words in the official transcript (but whatever). It could have been that she was there because of Mitch, but if that is wrong, then it would be very wrong to believe it.
[transcript now reflects Chao’s (brief) comments...]