New Miss USA wins the hearts of Americans with statement on gun control

Before winning the Miss USA 2020 crown, Miss MIssissippi Asya Branch won the hearts of Americans when she showed understanding from both sides of the debate on gun reform. Branch said she learned how to use a gun, and about gun safety, at a young age, and that everyone should have access to gun education. While stating that she is fully behind Second Amendment rights, Branch also believes that people should have to pass training and safety courses, and earn a permit, before being able to purchase a gun. Some viewers were turned off by her politics, but Branch, who once performed the national anthem at one of President Trump’s rallies, also spoke of the need for renewed unity in the country.

Video Transcript

ASYA BRANCH: As someone who grew up in a home with guns, I learned at an early age how to load, how to fire, and gun safety. And I think that education should be available to everyone.

KYLIE MAR: Not long before she was crowned the winner of this year's Miss USA pageant, Asya Branch of Mississippi won the hearts of Americans when she spoke about gun control. One person tweeted, "The way Mississippi connected with both sides on a gun reform question. That's the clear winner. No doubt."

ASYA BRANCH: We should require people to pass training and safety courses before they're allowed to purchase a gun and before receiving a permit.

But I think it's our Second Amendment right. And we just need more safety surrounding that.

KYLIE MAR: While not everyone is thrilled with Branch's politics, she preached a message of unity when asked about division in the country.

ASYA BRANCH: I think this is an issue of trust. We've lost trust in the systems that seem to keep our country running, from the media to business to our government. And it's all about restoring that trust and coming together and working together to heal and trust in these systems.