Olivia Culpo's past connections to Donald Trump and Russia resurfaced after runway photos emerge

Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo's links to former President Donald Trump and Russia have resurfaced following the reemergence of photographs from a 2012 runway show. The event, held at Trump Tower's Grand Corridor in New York City, was attended by Culpo, then 20, shortly after being crowned Miss USA. Photos show Culpo and Trump engaging in conversation while seated in the front row of the show.

The association between Culpo and Trump extends beyond this event. A 2018 book, "Russian Roulette: The Inside Story of Putin’s War on America and the Election of Donald Trump" by Michael Isikoff and David Corn, details a 2013 incident where Culpo was reportedly seen at a Las Vegas nightclub with Trump and Russian pop star Emin Agalarov. The book suggests that Trump and Agalarov were seeking "an attractive woman for a music video" and claims that Culpo was photographed at the club, known for its provocative performances. The same year, Culpo appeared in Agalarov's music video.

In addition, Culpo and Trump were spotted together at the 2013 Miss Universe pageant held in Moscow, Russia. The pageant was part of Trump's efforts to expand his brand into Russia.

Culpo, who distanced herself from Trump after his controversial comments about Mexico in 2015, had initially planned to judge the Miss USA pageant but withdrew due to Trump's remarks. She stated, “When I heard Mr. Trump's initial comments, my immediate gut reaction was to withdraw my involvement in the pageant,” according to Cosmopolitan.