Full Breakdown
Nia Sanchez Describes ‘Creepy’ Trump-Era Miss USA Rehearsal
7/7/2026, 4:15:27 AM
Trump’s Presence at Miss USA Rehearsals
During rehearsals for the Miss USA competition, Nia Sanchez said Donald Trump invited a group of his golf companions to observe the contestants. Sanchez described the atmosphere as uncomfortable, noting that the men asked the women to take pictures with the contestants and that she deliberately removed one man's hand, telling him not to touch her without permission.
Ownership History and Sale of Miss Universe Organization
Donald Trump owned the Miss USA and Miss Universe organizations until 2015, when he sold the Miss Universe Organization, ending his direct control. His tenure included personal involvement in events such as the rehearsal visit.
Nia Sanchez: Titleholder and Current Activities
Nia Sanchez, 36, was crowned Miss USA 2014 representing Nevada and placed first runner-up at Miss Universe 2014. She celebrated the 10-year anniversary of her Nevada title in January 2024 on Instagram, thanking family, friends, and pageant director Shannon Moakler. Sanchez married Danny Booko in 2015; the couple, now 42 and 36 respectively, have four children.
Impact and Financial Dynamics
Sanchez said her Miss USA title enables brand partnerships and paid social-media posts, which she describes as covering “necessities” while her husband’s salary supports “fun” expenses. The couple keeps all earnings in a single bank account for travel, extra costs, and daily living. After the rehearsal discussion, Booko reportedly received death threats via comments and direct messages, prompting Sanchez to question the source of such hostility.
Official Response and Information Gaps
Us Weekly contacted the Miss USA organization for comment on Sanchez’s allegations; the article does not include a response. No additional independent verification of the rehearsal incident appears in the provided sources, leaving the account uncorroborated beyond Sanchez’s own statements.
Criticism of Trump’s Conduct
Sanchez called Trump’s decision to bring his male acquaintances to the rehearsal “creepy” and said it made contestants “very uncomfortable.” She confronted a man who touched her, stating that physical contact should be requested first, and noted the men asked women to pose for pictures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When Trump owned the Miss USA/Miss Universe organization, there was one time when he brought all of his golf buddies to come watch all of us rehearse,” — Nia Sanchez, Miss USA 2014
- “It was actually kind of creepy.” — Nia Sanchez
- “I was like, ‘Don’t ever put your hands on me without asking.’” — Nia Sanchez
- “We see the comments and we see the DMs and it kind of makes me wonder what’s wrong with people because he’s gotten death threats,” — Nia Sanchez
- “Since being Miss USA, I’m now hired by brands to promote them and post on social media,” — Nia Sanchez
Future Outlook
The full interview with Sanchez appears in the upcoming episode of the “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast, scheduled for release on July 7, 2024, across major podcast platforms. The episode is promoted as containing exclusive content not available elsewhere.
