Donald Trump Judged Teen Modeling Pageant with Participants as Young as 14

Resurfaced footage from 1991 raises questions about Trump's involvement in the controversial 'Look of the Year' contest

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Archival footage has resurfaced showing Donald Trump serving as a judge at the 1991 'Look of the Year' modeling contest, which featured contestants as young as 14 years old. The competition, organized by Elite Model Management, has faced allegations that it was used as a front for wealthy men to exploit underage girls. While no direct misconduct allegations have been made against Trump, his close involvement with the event has prompted renewed scrutiny, particularly in light of his later immersion in the pageant and reality TV worlds.

Why it matters

The resurfaced footage has gained traction amid ongoing public examination of powerful figures linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump's association with the 'Look of the Year' contest reflects overlapping networks of influence in which young women and teenage girls often navigated adult power structures with little protection, raising questions about the culture surrounding such events.

The details

In September 1991, contestants boarded the Spirit of New York for an evening cruise past the Statue of Liberty, where teenage hopefuls in bikinis and miniskirts danced as older male guests looked on. Trump, then 45, sponsored the competition and opened the doors of the Plaza Hotel to host contestants and events. He also served as one of 10 judges. Former participants have described an atmosphere that felt less like a professional audition and more like a proving ground for access, with pressure to attend private dinners and late-night gatherings with judges and agency executives.

  • On September 1, 1991, contestants boarded the Spirit of New York for an evening cruise.
  • In 1991, Trump served as a judge at the 'Look of the Year' modeling contest.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th president of the United States, who served as a judge at the 1991 'Look of the Year' modeling contest.

John Casablancas

The founder of Elite Model Management, which organized the 'Look of the Year' contest.

Gérald Marie

A former Elite executive and judge who has faced accusations from multiple women, which he has denied.

David Copperfield

A magician who judged the 'Look of the Year' contest in some years and has denied allegations of inappropriate conduct made by former contestants.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.