Interviewing Carrie Prejean Boller
By the Editorial Board
Carrie Prejean Boller was crowned Miss California in 2009, granting her a place on the coveted Miss USA stage. In the Miss USA pageant, she advanced to the final round and was confronted with a question that would forever change her life. Judge Perez Hilton asked her to state her stance on the national legalization of same-sex marriage. Carrie answered: “I believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, no offense to anybody out there. But that’s how I was raised and I believe that it should be between a man and a woman.” Carrie, the competition frontrunner, subsequently placed 1st Runner-Up. Many speculated her controversial answer cost her the Miss USA title.
Apart from her statement costing her the title, Carrie’s response put her at the center of a nationwide controversy. Every major media outlet covered her controversial statement, and Carrie found herself facing the full ire of a news media hungry for a villain. However, Carrie always maintained her stance and refused to apologize for her beliefs. She went on to publish a book, Still Standing: The Untold Story of My Fight Against Gossip, Hate, and Political Attacks, which describes the politically-motivated abuse she faced following the pageant. Despite the hostile media coverage, Carrie found an ally in pageant-owner Donald Trump, who defended her statements.
Today, in return, Carrie is a prominent Trump supporter and a courageous advocate for Christian values. She recently became an official member of the Trump Campaign Advisory Board and represents the Women for Trump 2020 Coalition. Through her Fox News appearances and social media activism, she defends the Trump Presidency, promotes conservative values, and empowers women who dare to be different.
Explain what was going through your mind when Judge Perez Hilton asked you about your stance on the national legalization of same-sex marriage. Did you expect the widespread controversy that emerged in response to your answer?
I remember standing on stage after being called into the “Top 5” and thinking: “Why is he asking me this question?” I only had 30 seconds to answer, and if you watch the video, you could see it on my face— I was shocked he even asked me it. I spoke from the heart and told the truth— my truth. I answered the question the way I was trained to answer any question— remember who you are and what you believe. I knew that no matter what it cost me, which was ultimately the Miss USA title, I couldn’t lie, or give the politically correct answer, only to win. I would be a sell-out— and mama didn’t raise a sell-out! I was raised to tell the truth, even when it’s difficult. I knew if I told the truth, I would walk away with no regrets.
When I responded to the question, you could hear a lot of cheers, but also some gasps of air— probably because people couldn’t believe a 21-year-old Christian girl from California would dare to speak her truth. However, I didn’t expect the controversy, after all, in 2009, President Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and the majority of people in my state of California believed what I believed about marriage. Yet, I quickly learned what the Left does when you don’t go along with what they believe— or what they want you to believe.
Your stance got lambasted by the media, and many people say it cost you the Miss USA title. Looking back, would you have changed your answer?
No— my answer was honest and truthful to who I am as a Christian. Since when are we not allowed to have our own opinions when asked? I always jokingly tell people: “Don’t ask me a question if you don’t want to hear me answer it honestly.” This is the beauty of America— we all don’t have to agree.
You got “canceled” before “cancel culture” was a mainstream phenomenon. However, you never apologized, and instead stood by your beliefs. Give us some insight into your experience facing hostile media coverage.
I knew the news was corrupted 10 years ago— I discovered how dishonest they really were. They tried so hard to discredit me as a woman and as a conservative. They despised the fact that a 21-year-old blonde beauty queen would stand firm in her beliefs. I learned the mainstream media is just an extension of the Democratic Party, and that if you’re a conservative woman who dares to stand up to the Left, it will be an all-out war.
I won that war, gracefully, and I am now dedicated to spending the rest of my life fighting for other women. No woman should be treated the way I was treated by the media, the Left, and so-called “feminists”— simply for being a bold conservative. I learned what it meant to be persecuted for my faith and my beliefs because I didn’t bow down to political correctness. But, still, to this day, despite everything, I have no regrets.
Donald Trump famously defended you throughout the controversy. Describe your relationship with Trump, and how his defense of your stance played a role in your fierce support of his Presidency today.
I saw Donald Trump’s true character in 2009 when he came to my defense. He didn’t like how I was being treated, and he told me that he wanted to help me with anything I wanted to accomplish in life— whether that is a job on television, or writing a book— he stood by me, and wanted to see my success. He was a man of action— a businessman— who turned everything he did into success. I knew the day he announced his presidential bid that Donald J. Trump would be our 45th President.
I will always be grateful for the support and friendship that Donald Trump gave me. He didn’t have to help me, but he did. He always stands for what is right, regardless of the attacks. He refuses to bow down to political correctness, and that’s what I love about him. He is a man of his word, and when he says he will do something, he does it. I always tell people, what an incredible man he is, how he loves to help people, and how he truly wants to see people succeed— I am living proof of that.
You are currently on the Women for Trump Advisory Board. Tell us more about the work you do for the Trump Campaign, and why you believe the Trump Presidency has best served, and will continue to best serve the interests of American women.
Women across this country love this President— I know that. Many women I talk to love that a blue-collared billionaire is in charge— and making America stronger, more prosperous, and greater than ever before. They know he is doing it all (for free) to help the American people. These women are smart, they know how to weed out the dishonest and biased news media.
Many women see the unwavering courage President Trump has to fight every day to keep our families safe and the country strong. Women see how he has delivered on all of his promises, unlike many Presidents in the past. Women see how President Trump built the greatest economy in the history of our country. They see him sign Executive Orders to combat human trafficking. They saw him create over 4.3 million new jobs for women. They saw him reduce the number of women in poverty by nearly 600,000 in his first year in office. They see his border wall go up as promised. They see him cut Planned Parenthood’s tax funding by $60 million and stop our tax dollars from funding abortion overseas. Women see how President Trump worked to promote school choice so that families can choose the best education for their children.
Women, like myself, love that President Trump isn’t controlled by anyone and doesn’t take a paycheck. He continues to fight every single day to support the American people. I couldn’t be more proud to be on the Advisory Board for Women for Trump, and it’s amazing to see the enthusiasm from women across this country who are dedicated to reelecting President Trump. The best is yet to come!
Since the election of President Trump, feminism has re-emerged as a hot-button issue. Some conservative women feel abandoned and scrutinized by the movement. As a prominent conservative woman, what are your thoughts regarding feminism?
I am so excited to announce that I am partnering up with several conservative Christian women across the country who are fed up with feminism— a movement that does not represent most women in America. There is a yearning and desire that many women have to empower and uplift each other but also stay true to their conservative roots. “The Feminine Movement” is a movement dedicated to the forgotten conservative women in America. We seek to represent the “feminine woman”— a woman who is pro-life, pro-family, loves America, loves God, supports President Trump, and unapologetically stands for her conservative values.
You’re a woman with a mission. What upcoming plans are currently in the pipeline? What can we expect from Carrie Prejean Boller in the coming year?
I will continue my work as a member of the Advisory Board for Women for Trump 2020 and will be working with the campaign on getting President Trump reelected this November! I am also excited to be writing my second book, Romance Revival: Unhooking from Hookup Culture and Finding Real Love. My book is about how marriages and families are under attack— and the breakdown of the family is the root of many issues facing Americans. In a world of hookups to heartbreaks, there is a dire need and cry for help from young people. In my book, I want to empower women to never settle for anything less than what God wants for their life. Choosing who you will marry is one of the most important decisions we all face, and the root of happy, healthy marriages is a foundation of healthy dating and traditional courtship. In addition, I will continue to design for my faith-based jewelry line, Bella Grace Jewelry, and I am launching “The Feminine Movement” this fall! Stay tuned!
Lastly, what advice would you give to young, conservative women navigating adulthood, while trying to stay true to who they are?
My advice would be to seek God’s wisdom for guidance in your life. Give your life over to the Lord, and he will guide your every step— because He loves you. Be a God pleaser, not a people pleaser. Trust that little voice inside in your head when you know something isn’t right, and speak up when you’re given an opportunity to be a leader. We have so many followers in the world. Too many young people don’t know who they are or what they believe, and they are easily swayed by their peers and societal pressures. It is important to become educated on the issues you care about, know your facts, and have the courage to respectfully disprove false information. I would encourage women to be bold about their beliefs and stand for the truth. One of my favorite quotes is: “You can be bold, and also gentle. You can be brave and also respectful. You can be courageous, and also kind. You can spread truth and not tear others down. You can disagree with others, and be full of grace. You can fight battles, but also be full of compassion and love.” Stand firm in your conservative values, and never waiver for anyone, or anything.