For the first time ever, an active duty U.S. female Army officer was crowned Miss USA on Sunday &#8212; the same year that a trans-identifying male won the Miss Maryland <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/beauty-pageant">beauty pageant</a>.
On Sunday, at the Miss USA Pageant in Los Angeles, Miss Michigan, Alma Cooper, smiled as she walked the catwalk, waving to the crowd while wearing the tiara and a sash that read Miss USA, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/04/style/miss-usa-winner-alma-cooper-michigan/index.html">CNN</a> reported.
Cooper &#8212; who is a second lieutenant who serves as a military intelligence officer &#8212; told judges during the Q&amp;A portion of the pageant that “as the daughter of a migrant worker, a proud Afro Latina woman and an officer of the United States Army, I am living the American dream.&#8221;
“If there’s anything that my life and my mother have taught me, it’s that your circumstances never define your destiny: You can make success accessible through demanding excellence,” she added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Alma Cooper, the winner of Miss USA 2024, has explained that her family values became the driving force for her success, and she is nothing but grateful to her parents. She is of Afro-Latina ethnicity, the daughter of a black father, Stacey Cooper, and a Latina mother, Oralia… <a href="https://t.co/MrGzbzh2Ix">pic.twitter.com/MrGzbzh2Ix</a>
— Louise ~ PageantsNews (@PageantsNEWS) <a href="https://twitter.com/PageantsNEWS/status/1820445010052923843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
Speaking in a recent <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6FqC1YO_1C/?hl=en&amp;img_index=1">article</a>, Cooper said, “Other contestants may be drawn to pageants for their glitz and glamor, but I see the stage as an opportunity to represent the many girls of color who often go unseen and unheard, and to inspire others to free themselves from circumstances and perceptions about who they are.”
Miss Maryland, Bailey Anne Kennedy, who identifies as transgender, was on hand at the event to compete against the 49 female pageant winners on Sunday in the Miss USA competition, as previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/newly-crowned-miss-maryland-usa-is-a-man">reported</a>. Out of the 50 contestants, the top 20 women were chosen, and Kennedy was not one, the <a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/08/04/miss-michigan-alma-cooper-wins-miss-usa-2024/">Baltimore Sun</a> noted.
Kennedy won the state competition in June, calling the victory a “whirlwind because I knew it was bigger than me. I knew that it was going to mean a lot for all the LGBTQ kids out there who might feel like they don’t belong in a box — like me growing up.”
<a href="http://www.amiracist.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.amiracist.com/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1722714742764000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1XzmEsRwzti1RFNuISwYgd">WATCH THE TRAILER FOR ‘AM I RACIST?’ — A MATT WALSH COMEDY ON DEI</a>
Last year, Rikkie Kolle, a 22-year-old trans-identifying man, was crowned “Miss Netherlands” and went on to compete in the 2023 Miss Universe pageant, as previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/post-truth-world-man-wins-miss-netherlands-sparking-outrage-on-twitter">reported</a>.
The same year, a trans-identifying male was crowned “Miss San Francisco” and went on to compete in the <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/topic/california">Miss California</a> pageant for the crown. Monroe Lace, a man who identifies as a woman, won the pageant in March, qualifying to compete for the 2023 Miss California title.
Related: <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/beauty-pageant-winner-gives-pro-family-answer-and-crowd-goes-wild" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beauty Pageant Winner Gives Pro-Family Answer And Crowd Goes Wild</a>

Miss USA 2024

First Ever Active Duty Officer Crowned Miss USA Amid Year Of Transgender Winner Controversy

Entertainment

Miss Universe

Miss USA

Social Issues

Transgender

U.S.

Women

<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/newly-crowned-miss-maryland-usa-is-a-man">Miss Maryland</a> contestants said they were shocked to realize they had been changing and using the restroom &#8220;in the same space as a biological man&#8221; after discovering they had competed against a male after he was crowned Miss Maryland USA. 
Speaking to the <a href="https://www.dailysignal.com/2024/06/26/exclusive-miss-maryland-contestants-push-back-male-winner-steals-crown/">Daily Signal</a>, several women who competed in the recent Miss Maryland contest said they were &#8220;disgusted&#8221; and called the competition &#8220;rigged&#8221; after a trans-identifying male who goes by the name Bailey Anne Kennedy won the competition on the first day of Pride month.
On June 1, the trans-identifying male was crowned Miss Maryland USA, a competition that promises a “fair environment in which young women have the opportunity to develop skills that will help them win in life by being their personal best in everything they do,” the outlet noted.
“I first realized I competed with a biological man a few days after the competition,” contestant Elizabeth McCarthy said. “I saw it on the Miss Maryland USA Instagram post. At first, I was shocked. I felt sick to my stomach and was so upset for the other women in the top five. I was disgusted and disappointed that the pageant coordinators allowed women to undress in front of a man without any disclosure.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
EXCLUSIVE: Miss Maryland USA crowned a man who identifies as a woman on the first day of Pride Month.
Until now, the contestants had not spoken up. But there was widespread frustration.
Now these women speak to <a href="https://twitter.com/DailySignal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DailySignal</a>: <a href="https://t.co/7Zc9xua9Pc">https://t.co/7Zc9xua9Pc</a>
— Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryMargOlohan/status/1806052538375872703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
“I feel Kennedy won this competition because it was set up,” she added. “What are the odds that a trans-identifying individual wins the Miss Maryland USA title on the first day of Pride Month? I feel that men are taking over everything that women worked so hard for.”
Another contestant told the outlet, “I felt lied to. I would’ve liked to know ahead of time, as I was subject to change, utilize the bathroom, and be in the same space as a biological man … it surely seemed like the organization and Bailey was trying to hide this fact until it was convenient to them.”
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A third contestant said the fact that a trans-identifying male won the crown on the 1st day of Pride Month shows the “competition was rigged.”
“There isn’t a doubt in my mind that it was not,” the contestant said. “For example, I think in previous years, the pageant secured different judges … I think they were changed. In addition, the staff were not respectful nor pleasant. I completely understand that this is a pageant and it is fast paced, but there is a certain respect that individuals should provide, especially since we are all grown women who can take direction and listen.”
“I believe it is disheartening to have so many women pay for coaches, hair and makeup, and find sponsors when they already knew who they were going to select,” she added.
Kennedy will now compete for the title of Miss USA in Los Angeles in August, a competition that is part of the <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/transgender-businesswoman-buys-miss-universe-pageant-20m-rcna54138">Miss Universe</a> pageant, which is now owned by a trans-identifying male.

Miss Beauty Pageant Queen Contest in Asian Gown

‘I Was Disgusted’: Miss Maryland Contestants Speak Out After Man Wins Crown

'I Was Disgusted': Miss Maryland Contestants Speak Out After Man Wins Crown

LGBTQ

The new Miss Maryland USA is a man.
Bailey Anne Kennedy was crowned last Saturday. Kennedy will now be part of the Los Angeles competition for Miss USA, which is part of the Miss Universe Pageant, on August 4.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Bailey Anne, a man who pretends to be a woman, was just crowned Miss Maryland USA. 
Bailey hopes this &quot;accomplishment&quot; inspires more confused men to steal the achievements of real women.
Why are women allowing this to happen? <a href="https://t.co/j47o89G8hl">pic.twitter.com/j47o89G8hl</a>
&mdash; Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) <a href="https://twitter.com/libsoftiktok/status/1798810583271408115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Kennedy <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/bailey-anne-becomes-first-trans-woman-to-be-crowned-miss-maryland/ar-BB1nHIbA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> the moment of victory was a “whirlwind because I knew it was bigger than me. I knew that it was going to mean a lot for all the LGBTQ kids out there who might feel like they don’t belong in a box — like me growing up.”
“I felt confident in my own skin at 31, which is past the old age limit, which is 28 — as you know, Miss Universe Organization lifted the restriction now — so every woman of all ages can compete,” she said.
Kennedy hopes that the victory “will open up some doors, open up some hearts for people to see that there are many aspects of LGBT community out there, and I hope I can be a positive contribution to society in making a difference like the USO program like I’m working with.”
Kennedy wrote on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7y2IZGpxn0/?img_index=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a>, where a photo showed Kennedy with his apparent spouse in a U.S. Navy uniform, “Not everyone has to agree with the spaces that you occupy, and it doesn’t mean that you aren’t worthy of these opportunities. The work that I will do for the remainder of my life is to make sure that children who feel like me will never have to worry about the consequences of being who they are by simply being myself and being a positive contribution to society.”
“For the longest time, I never had the need to tell anyone,” Kennedy continued. “Not because it’s a secret but it’s none of anyone’s business. To those who matter to me, they don’t care. Those that care about knowing such private &amp; personal details, don’t matter. I can’t wait to start my reign and get back to The USO office and start serving lunches &amp; personally thank our active duty service members like I originally plan [sic] to yesterday because that’s what actually matters to me.”
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“The Miss Maryland USA Instagram account says Kennedy works with the U.S. military’s United Service Organizations, or USO, a Department of Defense entity that exists to boost troop morale and promote positive feelings about the U.S. military,” The Federalist <a href="https://thefederalist.com/2024/06/07/as-miss-maryland-and-a-military-pr-rep-this-man-in-a-dress-will-interact-with-kids/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>, adding, “Kennedy will be in close proximity to many children and especially young girls as a Miss Maryland USA pageant winner.”

Tiara and Red Roses

Newly Crowned Miss Maryland USA Is A Man

Beauty Pageant

Maryland

The new transgender owner of the Miss Universe Organization declared at the event over the weekend that the new global era for women&#8217;s empowerment would be led by trans people.
Biological male Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, CEO and biggest shareholder of JKN Global Group Public Company Limited, bought the organization for $20 million late last year from Endeavor’s IMG.
&#8220;It has been 70 years that Miss Universe Organization run by men. But now, time is up, is the moment really, for women to take the leap,&#8221; Jakrajutatip said. &#8220;Welcome to the new era of the global women&#8217;s empowerment platform. Welcome to the Miss Universe Organization. From now on is going to be ran by women, owned by a trans woman, for all women, for all women really around the world to celebrate the power of feminism.&#8221;
WATCH:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Anne Jakrajutatip, the new owner of Miss Universe, delivered an empowering speech yesterday: “Welcome to the new era. From now on it’s gonna be run by women, owned by a trans woman, for all women around the world.” <a href="https://t.co/TJXV8EPkAv">pic.twitter.com/TJXV8EPkAv</a>
&mdash; Dan Hastings-நாராயணன் (@notdanhastings) <a href="https://twitter.com/notdanhastings/status/1614602694022369280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The Miss Universe pageant, originated in 1952, had previously been owned by Donald Trump starting in 1996 along with CBS and then NBC before it was sold to IMG in 2015.
“We are incredibly honored to be acquiring the Miss Universe organization and working with its visionary leadership team,” Jakrajutatip, who became a reality TV star on Thai versions of “Project Runway” and “Shark Tank,” said last year after acquiring the organization. “The global reach of the organization, its relationships with global partners and brands, and its wealth of content, licensing, and merchandising opportunities make this a strong, strategic addition to our portfolio. We seek not only to continue its legacy of providing a platform to passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, but also to evolve the brand for the next generation.”
Recently, Miss Universe suspended the organizers of Miss USA after a furor erupted following the annual Miss USA pageant.
Contestants in the 2022 Miss USA pageant received an email from Miss Universe CEO Amy Emmerich informing them that Miss Brand, which runs the pageant, has been suspended from the pageant.
“After thorough deliberation, Miss Universe Organization has decided to suspend Miss Brand immediately,” Emmerich wrote. “Miss Universe will be taking over the Miss USA program while a comprehensive third-party investigation is conducted.”
“We are appreciative of the cooperation we’ve seen from Miss USA Director Crystle Stewart as we work through this process,” Emmerich added.
Stewart, the director of Miss Brand and the winner of Miss USA in 2008 before starting to run the pageant in 2020, had come under fire after contestants alleged that the pageant favored the eventual winner, Miss Texas, R’Bonney Gabriel. After Gabriel’s victory was announced and she walked around the stage, other contestants, in an unprecedented move, walked off the stage.
TMZ <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2023/01/15/miss-universe-new-owner-accused-rigging-pageant-miss-usa/">reported</a> that Jakrajutatip was now being accused of &#8220;rigging the pageant for Miss USA&#8221; after the pageant this weekend.
Hank Berrien contributed to this report.

The 71st Miss Universe Competition – Crown Unveiling

Miss Universe Owner: ‘New Era Of Global Women’s Empowerment’ To Be ‘Ran By Women, Owned By A Trans Woman’

Feminism

World

Former Miss USA pageant winner Cheslie Kryst who committed suicide by jumping to her death from her New York City apartment on January 30, sent a haunting text to her mother just before she died.
Kryst’s mother, April Simpkins, appeared on “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/redtabletalk/videos/331195172274185/">Red Table Talk</a>” with host Jada Pinkett Smith and revealed the poignant, heartbreaking details of the text.
“First, I&#8217;m sorry, by the time you get this, I won&#8217;t be alive anymore,” Simpkins read from the text. “And it makes me even more sad to write this because I know this will hurt you the most.”
“I think at that point I near blacked out,” Simpkins said tearfully, “because by the time I read the text an hour had passed.”
“I don’t even remember step-by-step what had happened,” she confessed. “I do remember I was calling my husband and screaming and he’s saying, ‘What? What?’ and I got home and we’re just trying to figure out what to do. I had not read the rest of her message; I just couldn&#8217;t.”
“When I scrolled it I could tell that it was long, and I thought, ‘This is not good,&#8217;” she said.
Simpkins then read the rest of the message, which stated:
<blockquote>I love you mom, and you are my best friend, and the person I&#8217;ve lived for, for years. I wish I could stay with you, but I cannot bear the crushing weight of persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loneliness any longer. 
I&#8217;ve never told you these feelings, because I’ve never wanted you to worry, and because I hoped they would eventually change, but I know they never will. They follow me through every accomplishment, success, family gathering, friendly dinner —  I cry almost every day now, like I&#8217;m in mourning. I wished for death for years. And I know you would want to know and want to help, but I haven&#8217;t wanted to share this weight with anyone. 
Regardless of that, thank you sincerely for being there for me in some of my loneliness moments without me even telling you I needed you. You have kept me alive and ready to face another day, because you answer every phone call and you are there for me at the drop of a hat. You listen to me and care when I tell you what goes on in my life and you&#8217;ve always made me feel like if you loved me. 
I love you more than any person I&#8217;ve ever known. You&#8217;ve done nothing wrong; you&#8217;ve done everything right. 
I no longer feel like I have any purpose in life. I don&#8217;t know if I ever really did. &#8230;
I&#8217;ve pushed away most of my friends, and I can&#8217;t fix any of it no matter how hard I&#8217;ve tried. &#8230; So I will leave and rejoin God in heaven and hope to find peace there. I don&#8217;t want to leave, but I genuinely feel like I have to if I want to escape my loneliness that feels like it has no end. I fought against depression for a long time, but it&#8217;s won this time around. 
There aren&#8217;t enough words in the world to describe my love and appreciation for you. You are the perfect mom and I will love you forever, even in death. 
Feel free to share this message. People should know that you are the best mom in the world and that you were the best mom to me I ever could have hoped for. </blockquote>
“It took me a while to read that all the way through,” Simpkins remembered. “I would read some sentences and then I would just collapse. But after I really absorbed it, I became thankful. Thankful to have her for 30 incredible years that I would watch her. She knew that I would needed to hear those words.”
Simpkins recalled she and her husband quickly got on a plane to New York but were alerted by police as the plane was taxiing before taking off that their daughter had died. “I don’t remember the plane ride; I just remember my husband crying,” she said on the show. She added that when she and her husband got to their hotel room, “We were both just on the floor.”
“Depression is not always marked by someone laying in bed or unable to do things,” Simpkins concluded. “There are people who are high-functioning and can get through the day because they wear ‘the face,’ and we all are taught to wear that face. Cheslie wore that face.”
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free hotline for individuals in crisis or distress or for those looking to help someone else. It is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

“Like A Boss” World Premiere

‘By The Time You Get This, I Won’t Be Alive Anymore’: Haunting Text Sent By Former Miss USA To Her Mother Before Her Suicide Revealed

Text Sent By Former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst To Her Mother Before Her Suicide Revealed

Jada Pinkett Smith

Mental Illness

New York City

Suicide

Numerous notable figures weighed in on Sunday over the news that Cheslie Kryst, the winner of the 2019 Miss USA pageant, died in what officials have ruled a suicide.
“NYPD responded to a 911 call at 7:13 AM to Cheslie’s midtown apartment building on 42nd Street,” TMZ <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2022/01/30/miss-usa-2019-cheslie-kryst-jumped-nyc-high-rise/">reported</a>. “Officers and paramedics responded, but she was pronounced dead on the scene.”
The Associated Press later reported that police indicated that Kryst “jumped” from the apartment building.
Notable responses included:
<ul>
<li>Madison Gesiotto Gilbert, former Miss Ohio USA: &#8220;My deepest condolences going out tonight to the family of Cheslie Kryst, who left this world far too soon. Over 50M Americans suffer with mental illness. They should not suffer alone or in silence. Rest In Peace, Cheslie.&#8221;</li>
<li>Miss Universe: &#8220;We are devastated to learn about the loss of Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst. She was one of the brightest, warmest, and most kind people we have ever had the privilege of knowing. Our entire community mourns her loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family right now.&#8221;</li>
<li>The Miss America Org: &#8220;We are heartbroken to hear about the passing of Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019. Cheslie was an incredible example and a role model for so many. We send our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all those who knew her.&#8221;</li>
<li>Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC): &#8220;I am heartbroken to hear about the tragic death of former Miss North Carolina &amp; Miss USA Cheslie Kryst. I enjoyed meeting her in my office in 2019, where we discussed a number of issues affecting North Carolinians. Susan &amp; I are praying for her family during this difficult time.&#8221;</li>
<li>S.E. Cupp, CNN: &#8220;With a spate of tragic suicides &#8211; Cheslie Kryst, Regina King’s son, Michael Madsen’s son &#8211; I’ve seen so many posts saying something to the effect of, &#8216;I guess you never truly know what someone’s going through.&#8217; Consider this your permission to ask.&#8221; She added, &#8220;Check in on your friends and family. Normalize conversations about mental health. Destigmatize depression, anxiety, treatment, and help.&#8221;</li>
<li>Mark Robinson, Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina: &#8220;I am saddened to hear about the passing of North Carolina native and former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst. She was an incredible role model, and the positive impacts she made will endure. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.&#8221;</li>
<li>Vi Lyles, Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina: &#8220;My deepest condolences to Cheslie Kryst’s family. Before she was Miss USA, we had lunch. She was proud to be a working attorney in Charlotte. We also did a number of charity events. She did it with grace and a smile. We are so saddened to lose her.&#8221;</li>
<li>Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.: &#8220;Such incredibly sad news about #CheslieKryst Depression creates deep despair &amp; an overwhelming illusion that there’s no way forward in life Remember: looking good &amp; doing good things doesn’t = feeling/thinking “good” Check on YOU, too National Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255.&#8221;</li>
</ul>
&#8220;In devastation and great sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved Cheslie,&#8221; Kryst&#8217;s family <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/former-miss-usa-jumps-to-her-death-in-new-york-city">said</a> in a statement. &#8220;Her great light was one that inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength. She cared, she loved, she laughed and she shined. Cheslie embodied love and served others, whether through her work as an attorney fighting for social justice, as Miss USA and as a host on EXTRA. But most importantly, as a daughter, sister, friend, mentor and colleague — we know her impact will live on.&#8221;
Kryst was an attorney and correspondent for the entertainment news program “Extra.” The news program said that she was a “vital part” of their show and was “a beloved part of our Extra family and touched the entire staff.”
“Our deepest condolences to all her family and friends,” the statement added.
The New York Daily News <a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-former-miss-usa-cheslie-kryst-suicide-20220130-towaj7hx4netlhq5ijhs5fihpy-story.html">reported</a> that Kryst jumped from the 29th floor of the building and reportedly left a suicide note.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free hotline for individuals in crisis or distress or for those looking to help someone else. It is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

The 2019 Miss Universe Pageant – Show

Top Figures Weigh In On Tragic Suicide Of 2019 Miss USA Cheslie Kryst: ‘Check In On Your Friends And Family’

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Miss USA winner Asya Branch received backlash this week when she denounced the banning of firearms prior to receiving her crown. The backlash further escalated when it was revealed that she visited the Trump White House in 2018 to collaborate on the First Step Act and also sang the National Anthem at a Trump rally in Mississippi.
Speaking with <a href="https://people.com/human-interest/miss-usa-2020-asya-branch-wants-to-be-a-positive-light-and-role-model-for-young-girls/">PEOPLE</a>, Branch said that criminal justice reform has always been an important issue for her due to the pain her family suffered while her father was incarcerated for 10 years.
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“So often what people miss when they see someone on the news who’s been arrested [is] the family that they leave behind,” Branch said. “That’s where my impetus began, on the children and families at home … And then it’s stretched into working with inmates and helping them see their purpose and speaking with them, hearing their stories and making them feel heard and feel like the humans that they are.”
<div class="paragraph">
“If you can’t get a seat at the table, you can’t make a difference,” Branch said of her meeting at the White House. “I found that to be an inspiring and moving moment for me because it shows that I can accomplish things and I can accomplish my goals and really make a difference in the world. So yes, I caught backlash for it, but I feel like it was a meeting that gave me an opportunity to speak up on a cause that was very important to me.”
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As to why she sang the National Anthem at the Trump rally, Branch said she was under contractural obligations from the Miss Mississippi Corp. Though she does not like to reveal her political beliefs, the event is still something she takes pride in.
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“Regardless of political beliefs, I find it an honor to be able to sing the national anthem anywhere and it just so happened to be at a Trump rally,” she said. “And I know I caught a lot of backlash for that. But no one knows if that has anything to do with my political beliefs or not. I did have a duty as an employee of the Miss Mississippi Corp. as well as a representative of the state of Mississippi.”
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During the Miss USA competition, Branch made headlines when she denounced the banning of firearms, citing her own childhood experiences with guns.
&#8220;As someone who grew up in a home with guns, I learned at an early age how to load, how to fire, and gun safety,” she said during the event. “I think that education should be available to everyone. I believe that we should require people to pass training and safety courses before they&#8217;re allowed to purchase a gun and before receiving a permit. I think it&#8217;s important that we not ban guns &#8230; I think it&#8217;s our Second Amendment right and we just need more safety surrounding that.&#8221;
Asya told PEOPLE that although she understands her statement can be polarizing, she nevertheless spoke from her heart.
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“I knew that I was speaking from my heart, I was speaking truthfully and honestly, and that’s truly how I feel,” she said. “And in this country we’re entitled to our opinions.”
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2019 Miss America Candidates Arrival Ceremony

Miss USA Asya Branch Addresses Backlash For 2A Support, Visiting Trump White House

Donald Trump

Second Amendment

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