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A recently released video has reignited debate surrounding former U.S. President Donald Trump and his past association with beauty pageants, within the broader context of renewed scrutiny over his prior relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The video was published by a man identified as Steve, who says he previously served as a judge and trainer in Trump-owned pageants, including Miss USA and Miss Teen USA.
Steve argues that current media coverage focused on Epstein’s files may be overlooking a deeper and potentially significant area of inquiry: Trump’s beauty pageant operations. According to his account, these pageants deserve closer investigation due to the environments and individuals involved during that period. He stated that he had avoided speaking publicly for years, citing safety concerns, and declined to provide further details, urging journalists to proceed cautiously.
In his remarks, Steve specifically referenced television personalities Billy Bush and Nancy O’Dell, both of whom were involved in hosting or covering Trump-owned pageants. He suggested that media investigations begin with them, noting that others with more extensive knowledge may also exist. Neither Bush nor O’Dell has publicly responded to these claims.
The video has drawn attention in part because Billy Bush was involved in the now-infamous 2005 Access Hollywood recording, which became public during the 2016 presidential campaign. In that recording, Trump made crude remarks about women, prompting widespread criticism at the time.
Additional scrutiny has also returned to Trump’s participation as a judge in the 1991 Look of the Year modeling competition organized by Elite Model Management, an event that included contestants as young as 14. Subsequent investigations, including a 2020 report by The Guardian, detailed allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation within Elite Model Management involving industry executives. Those allegations were directed at Elite officials, not Trump, but critics note his presence and association at the event.
Archival footage and photographs show Trump serving on judging panels alongside prominent fashion industry figures, including Elite founder John Casablancas, who has also appeared in images with both Trump and Epstein. These connections have fueled further public discussion about the social and professional networks operating at the time.
Old radio interviews have also resurfaced in which Trump spoke openly about his role as owner of beauty pageants, including comments about interacting with contestants. While these statements were legal, they have been widely criticized as inappropriate.
While no conclusive evidence has emerged establishing criminal wrongdoing by Trump in connection with these events, the combination of firsthand accounts, archival material, and historical reporting has prompted renewed calls for deeper journalistic investigation. Observers emphasize the importance of distinguishing between verified facts, allegations, and speculation as media outlets continue to examine this chapter of public record.