Sushmita Sen’s surprising connection with Donald Trump: She has met him many times. And what does she really think of him?

Sushmita Sen, celebrated for her historic win at the Miss Universe beauty pageant, later found herself linked to the organization in a professional capacity—during a period when it was owned by Donald Trump. In an exclusive 2023 interview with Mid-Day, conducted while she was promoting her crime-drama series Aarya, the Bollywood star reflected on her experiences from 2010 to 2012, when she held the Miss India Universe franchise.

An Unexpected Offer During a Busy Career Phase

At the time, Sen was juggling her work with Renee Jewellers alongside numerous brand endorsements. She recalled that the Miss Universe Organisation reached out with an unexpected proposal to take over the Indian franchise. The offer, she admitted, felt like a dream opportunity. Accepting it, however, came with a stringent and demanding contractual agreement—one tied to Trump’s ownership, which she acknowledged made the role more complex and less enjoyable.

"I signed a pretty intense contract when I took on this franchise, and that was owned by Donald Trump—which didn’t make it easy or fun," Sushmita said.

Clarifying Roles and Authority

While Trump’s name was on the ownership papers, Sen clarified that he was never her direct superior. She explained that her reporting lines were to Paramount Communications and Madison Square Garden, the entities that controlled the Miss Universe Organisation during her one-year tenure as an employee. Her role as a franchise owner was connected to Trump’s corporate control but not to his personal oversight.

Encounters Without Endorsement

Sen acknowledged meeting Trump because of the franchise’s association with him but refused to elaborate on those interactions. Brushing aside further inquiry, she emphasized that, in her view, the specifics of those encounters were irrelevant. She openly stated that her impression of him was far from favorable, noting that some individuals leave lasting memories due to their character or the inspiration they provide—a category in which she did not place him.

"There are some people who leave an impression, not necessarily because of their achievements or sense of power. They are people who inspire you. Just for the people that they are. He is not one of them,” she said.

Trump’s Tenure with Miss Universe and Political Career

Donald Trump’s ownership of the Miss Universe Organisation spanned from 1996 to 2015. During those years, he was primarily recognized as a prominent businessman with substantial real estate and media interests. His career took a political turn when he won the U.S. presidency in January 2017, becoming the 45th President of the United States and serving until January 2021. After losing the 2020 election, Trump staged a political comeback, winning the 2024 presidential race and beginning his second non-consecutive term in January 2025 as the 47th president.