US Billionaire Donald Trump Opens Miss Universe Pageant In Moscow

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• published: 10 Nov 2013
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US billionaire and co-owner of the Miss Universe Pageant, Donald Trump opened the world's most prestigious beauty contest in Moscow on Saturday (November 9). At a news conference ahead of the pageant Trump praised Russia and the upcoming competition, weighed in on Obamacare and hinted at his future plans in politics. Trump said Moscow was chosen in part as a way to capitalise on the upcoming Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. "We had 18 countries wanting it acting it, and at the end we look at lots of different things, including dollars, and money. But we look at lots of different things, but most important, the most important is which is the place we want to be. This is a great time. You have the Olympics coming to Russia. Russia really wanted it because of the fact that you have the Olympics in - what is it, February or so. So this is like the kickoff to the Olympics," Trump said. He expressed hope that the Moscow pageant could be better than all the previous ones: "Well this will be a great one, there's no question. Because of the fact that it's Miss Universe in Moscow, it's very special. Last year we were in Las Vegas, and that's always special being in Las Vegas, but this is, this is going to be maybe the best we've ever had. We're very proud of it." Trump also talked about the controversial Russian law banning homosexual propaganda and how it affected the choice of Moscow and pageant host, openly-gay American news anchor Thomas Roberts. "Well, there was a lot of attention because of the whole situation with the gay rights and everything else that's been happening in Russia. But Thomas Roberts I thought was just terrific the way he handled it. He wants to come in here, do a fantastic job and show the world. And he's right. I thought he was absolutely right. We have many people that are gay that work for the Miss Universe Pageant, and we spoke to them and they wanted to be here, and they want to really show how great they are and the great job they've done. And that's why I think this has become such a great - and the world's most successful pageant," Trump said. Donald Trump commented on US political issues criticising the Obama administration's healthcare plan and website rollout. "I think Obamacare and the website has been a total disaster, and I think that when you look at what's going on with that I think that probably more an anything else...look, I can name scandal after scandal, problem after problem, but when you look at everything put together, I think what happened with the website and what's happening with Obamacare is going to be probably very good for the Republicans...in terms of getting elected," he said. But, Trump demurred over his own political aspirations for 2016. "Well, a lot of people want me to run, and a lot of people want to see a different approach. And my approach would be different. You look at all over the world people are laughing at us; they're ripping us off. I mean, you look at what's going on in Russia, in Moscow, you look at how it's just booming and how well it does. And they have the Olympics. As you know we tried to get the Olympics and came in fourth place. Now figure that one out. Fourth place. So a lot of problems in the United States and certainly they do want a different approach, but it's just far too early for me to say," Trump said. Eighty-six pageant contestants take part in 62nd Miss Universe Pageant in Moscow. They will compete for the Miss Universe Diamond Nexus crown in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. The winner will be announced at the final show on Nov. 9 night at the Moscow's Crocus City Hall.