<p>Donald Trump challenged his inner beauty queen to help crown the newly appointed Miss USA, Nana Meriwether, in New York on Wednesday (January 9).<br /><br />Meriwether, who was first runner-up at the 2012 competition, is taking over the duties after the former winner, Olivia Culpo, was named Miss Universe.<br /><br />It's pretty unique. I don't know, I don't think any Miss USA's have been crowned by Trump. So it's pretty neat. And I'm a middle child, I never get this attention, it's a very crazy day for me," said Meriwether who is representing the state of Maryland.<br /><br />The 27-year-old beauty, who was born in South Africa, posed for pictures with her parents after officially being crowned.<br /><br />After the unorthodox crowning ceremony Trump had nothing but praise for Meriwether.<br /><br />"It's just a great time and she's a fabulous person as you know. Nana Meriwether, who is a great athlete, a great student and she's going to be a great Miss USA," Trump told Reuters.<br /><br />This is the first time since 1997 that a Miss USA has won the Miss Universe title. Culpo, who is originally from Rhode Island and a college sophomore, said her parents initially didn't want her to compete in pageants, but now are in shock over her wins.<br /><br />"My first pageant was 15 months ago. So to be Miss Universe, honestly it's a little ridiculous to say to myself. But they are very proud and are happy that I did do what I wanted to do despite the fact that they didn't think it was a good idea at the time," explained Culpo.<br /><br />A new Miss USA will be crowned in June in Las Vegas.</p>
