Miss Universe pageant owner Donald Trump says he is considering a tribute to the newly crowned Miss Iraq, who has been hiding amid death threats.

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"She is very proud to have won, and now she is in a very tough position," Trump told Friday's New York Post. "She is extremely brave."

Silvia Shahakian, 23, a Christian of Armenian ancestry, was crowned Sunday when the original winner stepped down after receiving threats from extremists.

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Shahakian told ABC's "Good Morning America" she was going into hiding, but the Post said it is believed she is still in Iraq.

Trump said there may be a special salute to Shahakian during the Miss Universe pageant July 23 in Los Angeles.

"We've had countries in the contest before where it was not the most popular thing to do, but never like this," he said.