Trump brags he understands Venezuela because 'Miss Venezuela always did very well' at Miss Universe
WASHINGTON, DC: President Trump told reporters at the White House on Friday, July 24, that he understands the political situation in Venezuela because of his decades-long ownership of the Miss Universe pageant.
The remarks came as a reporter asked Trump, who noted Venezuelans are "very happy" with him, when the country might hold new elections. Venezuela has remained in political limbo since the US seized former President Nicolas Maduro in January over allegations he rigged the 2024 vote; the Maduro government has stayed in place since, though the ruling party and opposition resumed negotiations last month for the first time since the disputed election.
Donald Trump touts oil revenue and popularity
Trump boasted that "Miss Venezuela always did very well" in the competition.
Trump on Venezuela: For a long time, I've known their country, and I own the Miss Universe pageant and Ms. Venezuela always did very well in that pageant so I know something about the country pic.twitter.com/rGGjD0kOhu
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 24, 2026
"For a long time, I've known their country and, you know, I owned the Miss Universe pageant and Miss Venezuela always did very well in that pageant, so I know something about the country," Trump said.
"They're not really ready for them yet, but boy, a lot of progress has been made," Trump said. "[Acting President] Delcy [Rodriguez] has been doing a fantastic job, as you know."
Trump went on to claim the country's finances have improved dramatically under the current arrangement.
"The amount of money being made by Venezuela now is more than they've ever made before," he said, adding that the US is "taking a lot also for... our efforts" and that "we've paid for the war many times over."
He described Venezuela as "becoming extremely successful," saying "it was dead before we got there," and reiterated, "They're not ready yet for the elections, but at some point they will be, and we're gonna be standing right on top of them."
A pageant-based credential
Trump owned the Miss Universe Organization from 1996 until he sold it in 2015. He used his experience with beauty pageants to show his knowledge of the country.
Venezuelan contestants won the Miss Universe crown seven times between 1979 and 2013. This included a win in 1996, the year Trump took over the organization.
One of those winners was Alicia Machado. She later became one of Trump's main critics during his 2016 campaign, accusing him of constantly criticizing her weight both during her reign and years later.
