Miss Texas Tears into Both Trump and White Supremacists in What Could Be the Realest Answer in Pageant History
It was the best 20 seconds of the night.
It's 2017, and in the world of Trump, everything is political. That even includes the Miss America pageant, which is normally marked by wishy-washy responses to judges' questions to make sure nobody is offended. That was clearly off the table this year. Miss Texas Margana Wood didn't win the crown, but she did have one of the most memorable moments of the night when she tore into President Trump's response to white supremacist violence.
Related Story
Related Story
Jess Cagle, editorial director of People and Entertainment Weekly, asked Wood to comment on President Trump's remarks after the violence in Charlottesville. "Last month, a demonstration of neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and the KKK in Charlottesville, Virginia, turned violent and a counter-protester was killed. The president said there was shared blame with 'very fine people' on both sides. Were there? Tell me yes or no and explain."
Wood didn't mince words. "I think that the white supremacist issue, it was very obvious that it was a terrorist attack. And I think that President Donald Trump should have made a statement earlier addressing the fact, and making sure all Americans feel safe in this country," she told the judge. "That is the number-one issue right now."
Miss Texas was asked if Trump handled Charlottesville badly. She, uh ... didn't play. 🇺🇸 #MissAmerica pic.twitter.com/5JMT4tBpeLSeptember 11, 2017
Cagle approved, posting on Instagram that she had the best answer of the night.
A post shared by Jess Cagle (@mrjesscagle)
A photo posted by on
Wood wasn't the only contestant to get political Sunday night. Miss North Dakota Cara Mund, who ended up winning the pageant, didn't hold back about President Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate accord. "I do believe it's a bad decision," she said, in response to a question from judge Maria Menounos. "Once we reject that, we take ourselves out of the negotiation table, and that's something that we really need to keep in mind. There is evidence that climate change is existing, so whether you believe it or not, we need to be at that table, and I think it's just a bad decision on behalf of the United States."
.@MissAmericaND answers a question from @mariamenounos! #MissAmerica pic.twitter.com/RkK4j4ideZSeptember 11, 2017
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
From: ELLE US
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
If You Need Karlie Kloss, She’ll Be Sorting Her $10 Vitamin Box
“It’s an investment in my self-care.”
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Actually, the Jorts Trend Isn't That Bad
Baggy denim shorts are winning over celebrities—and at least one editor.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The Best Viktor & Rolf Perfumes, According to Editors
We tested every perfume from the popular brand. These are our favorites.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
How Victoria Justice Learned to Use Her Voice on the Set of 'Victorious'
The former Nickelodeon star recalls what it was like to speak up to adults on set as a child.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones Tease an Announcement: "We've Got Some News to Share"
The former 'Normal People' costars and IRL best friends seem to have a new project in the works.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
The Woman Who Inspired Martha in 'Baby Reindeer' Calls the Series "a Work of Fiction" In a YouTube Interview
A woman has come forward as the alleged inspiration behind Martha in the hit Netflix series.
By Sadie Bell Last updated
-
The Best 'Friends' Episodes of All Time
Could these BE any better?
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
‘Virgin River’ Season 6: Everything We Know
Here's everything we know on the upcoming episodes.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Kim Cattrall Didn't See or Speak to Her Costars When Filming 'And Just Like That' Cameo
That's some type of commitment.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published