Trump Backs Nexstar–Tegna Merger Amid Shifting U.S. Media Landscape 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Netanyahu to Meet Trump in Washington as Iran Nuclear Talks Intensify 
Trump Signs “America First Arms Transfer Strategy” to Prioritize U.S. Weapons Sales 
Pentagon Ends Military Education Programs With Harvard University 
Nighttime Shelling Causes Serious Damage in Russia’s Belgorod Region Near Ukraine Border 
Missouri Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Starbucks’ Diversity and Inclusion Policies 
Japan Election 2026: Sanae Takaichi Poised for Landslide Win Despite Record Snowfall 
Ohio Man Indicted for Alleged Threat Against Vice President JD Vance, Faces Additional Federal Charges 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
TrumpRx.gov Highlights GLP-1 Drug Discounts but Offers Limited Savings for Most Americans 
U.S. Announces Additional $6 Million in Humanitarian Aid to Cuba Amid Oil Sanctions and Fuel Shortages 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Trump Allegedly Sought Airport, Penn Station Renaming in Exchange for Hudson River Tunnel Funding 
New York Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients 
Melania Trump, the former First Lady of the United States and wife of Donald Trump, has long been in the spotlight due to her background in modeling and her association with major beauty and fashion events. One persistent rumor that has circulated online is the claim that she was crowned Miss Universe in 2003. However, a closer look reveals that while Melania Trump has had notable ties to the Miss Universe Organization, she was never a contestant, let alone a winner, of the prestigious pageant.
The confusion likely stems from her close association with Donald Trump, who owned the Miss Universe Organization from 1996 to 2015. During his ownership, Melania often attended the pageants and was visible at many related events. However, she did not participate in any Miss Universe competition, including the 2003 edition. The actual Miss Universe titleholder that year was Amelia Vega, a contestant from the Dominican Republic, who became the first Dominican woman to win the crown.
Melania Trump’s modeling career, while illustrious, did not include pageant participation. She gained international attention through her work with top designers and fashion houses across Europe and the U.S. By 2003, she was already established in the modeling industry and in a relationship with Donald Trump, who she married in 2005. Her involvement with Miss Universe during that time was primarily as a guest and attendee, accompanying Trump to many of the organization’s events.
Given her proximity to the Miss Universe Organization through Donald Trump, it’s easy to see how rumors of her involvement in the competition could have taken root. However, there is no verifiable record of her competing in or winning any Miss Universe pageant.
This misconception is not uncommon when it comes to public figures closely associated with beauty and fashion events. Melania Trump’s modeling background and high-profile relationship with the owner of the Miss Universe Organization further fueled the false claim.
For those seeking clarity, Melania Trump has made no official statements claiming any title related to Miss Universe. The rumor remains an unfounded claim that can be debunked through simple verification of the official winners’ list and competition history.
EconoTimes cannot independently verify the specific origins of the rumor. This article relies on public records, historical documentation from the Miss Universe Organization, and general knowledge about Melania Trump’s public life.
