DORAL, Fla. (AP) β In the world of beauty pageants, Venezuela is queen.
Donald Trump’s announcement Thursday that the upcoming Miss Universe pageant will be in Miami, home to the largest Venezuelan population in the United States, brought a roomful of applause. But it could also bring a contentious mixture of politics and pageantry.
Three of the last six Miss Universe titles have gone to Venezuelan contestants. An entire industry there prepares young women to compete.
The majority of Venezuelans in Florida fiercely oppose the Venezuelan government. In the past, the current Miss Venezuela has been scrutinized by the opposition for her viewpoints.
One Florida paper once called her a “Miss Venezuela with a chavista heart,” referencing late President Hugo Chavez.
Miami’s Venezuelans said they aren’t planning protests but politics will inevitably come up.
