Donald Trump | Source: Getty Images
President Trump Compliments Reporter During Oval Office Conversation
President Donald Trump drew attention during a historic Oval Office event by praising a reporter's remarks, and her appearance, amid the signing of a U.S.-brokered peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
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During a peace agreement ceremony held in the Oval Office on Friday, June 27, 2025, President Trump commended White House correspondent Hariana Veras after she spoke about conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), her country of origin. The agreement, facilitated by the United States, aims to end decades of violence in eastern Congo.
Veras had been invited to speak by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who referred to her as a "friend." Veras addressed the gathering, which included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and foreign ministers from both the DRC and Rwanda.
In her remarks, Veras shared firsthand insights from recent time spent in the DRC. The journalist claimed that Congo now had hope and that DRC President Félix Tshisekedi wished to nominate Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his administration's role in brokering the deal.
President Trump responded warmly to her comments, saying, "So beautifully stated," before complimenting her directly, "You are beautiful."
He then added with a chuckle, "I'm not allowed to say that. You know that could be the end of my political career, but you are beautiful, and you're beautiful inside. I wish I had more reporters like you."
The event marked a major foreign policy achievement for the administration, as the peace accord seeks to bring stability to a region long marred by conflict and humanitarian crises.
