A nuclear scientist just won Miss USA, but people are furious with her.

There are a few important things you should know about Kara McCullough.

She looks very, very nice in a swimsuit.

She looks pretty in a white ball gown.

She's also a nuclear scientist and wants to use her platform to inspire women to join the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

And she just won the Miss USA pageant.

But on Sunday, during the interview component of the pageant, 25-year-old McCullough made two other important things known - and social media was furious.

"I'm definitely going to say it's a privilege." Listen to your new #MissUSA talk about healthcare in the USA. pic.twitter.com/CzPBeaTYHO

— Miss USA (@MissUSA) May 15, 2017

McCullough was asked whether "affordable health care for all US citizens is a right or a privilege".

"It's a privilege," she responded.

"As a government employee, I am granted health care and I see first-hand that for one to have health care, you have to have jobs.

"So therefore, we need to continue to cultivate this environment that we're given the opportunity to have health care as well as jobs to all American citizens worldwide," she said.

Immediately, there was significant push back on social media.

"DC just disqualified herself with that answer," wrote one viewer, with another tweeting, "Well I guess poor people don’t deserve health care because the new Miss USA said it was a privilege".

What a #shame, #healthcare is not #privilege https://t.co/4bk0isIgeQ

— Kati (@microboston) May 15, 2017

No healthcare should not be a privilege #missdistrictofcolumbia because everyone should have it as a right of care. #MissUSA

— LaTasha M. McPherson (@MsLMMcPherson) May 15, 2017

Of course, there were many viewers who supported McCullough's response, arguing "nothing in life is free," and "someone needs to pay for it!"

The contestant from the District of Colombia was then asked what she understands feminism to be, and whether she identifies as one.

Again, her response was polarising.

Listen: Catch up on the week's biggest talking points on the Mamamia Out Loud podcast. (Post continues after audio.)

Again, McCullough's comments attracted a strong reaction online.

...so DC has no idea what feminism means. #MissUSA

— ???? (@sciattas) May 15, 2017

Miss District of Columbia #MissUSA pic.twitter.com/88hHBkKsj3

— Kalee. (@kalechipss) May 15, 2017

#Wow District of Columbia, you just lost me. #missusa2017 #MissUSA pic.twitter.com/ZkmXIP4VVt

— Kimberly Fludd (@Kimplaints_NYC) May 15, 2017

It's worth noting that this beauty pageant was previously owned by Donald Trump, so it's not built on particularly progressive, feminist roots.

Also, my favourite part is probably that the concept of 'equalism' is directly at odds with the idea of healthcare only being available to those who can afford it.

So consistent.

Trump would be proud.

"District of Columbia is one of the most intelligent contestants in recent memory." #MissUSA pic.twitter.com/yUIep2oJb3

— Miss USA (@MissUSA) May 15, 2017