People are talking about President Donald Trump’s recent encounter with an African reporter for all the wrong reasons. In an effort to put an end to the decades-long fighting in eastern Congo, the United States helped the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda sign a peace agreement on Friday.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner of the Democratic Republic of the Congo met in the Oval Office. US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Massad Boulos, Trump’s top adviser, also accompanied the leaders.
Reporter and “friend” Hariana Verás Victória was invited to attend by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Hariana, who covers the African continent, told POTUS that people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are grateful for his efforts and optimistic about the peace he intends to deliver.
“That’s so nice,” Trump said, before noting he was advised not to comment on Hariana’s appearance. “And so beautifully stated. Karoline said this, number one, that I shouldn’t say this because it’s politically incorrect…she said, ‘She’s beautiful.’ And you are beautiful!”
Trump proceeded to admire Hariana, and she gushed as everyone else in the room grinned and laughed. “I’m not allowed to say that, you know that? It could be the end of my political career, but I’ll say it anyway. You are beautiful, and you’re beautiful inside. I wish I had more reporters like you.”
Trump drools over a reporter’s beauty despite Karoline Leavitt’s advice against it: ‘You’re very beautiful. I’m not allowed to say that anymore; it’s politically incorrect, but you are beautiful!.’
Is it just me, or is he gross?
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) June 29, 2025
He continued by asking her how long she had been doing news coverage for Africa. Trump thanked Hariana for the warm words and for coming to the event as they wrapped up their talk. As you might expect, a video of their chat went viral, and people discussed it extensively online, with many likening it to an elderly man attempting to make out with a waitress:
“You’re very beautiful. I’m not allowed to say that anymore. It’s politically incorrect.” 😂
President Trump charms African reporter Hariana Veras pic.twitter.com/vaf7cOqsvx
— Natalie Jean Beisner (@NJBeisner) June 27, 2025
“It’s giving, embarrassing grandpa talking to a server at Applebee’s. (He won’t leave a tip.)” —u/SwissSwissBangBang
“He reminds me so much of my grandfather (who voted for him). He’d do this thing where he’d ask the waitress to stir her finger in his unsweet tea to make it sweeter. With his wife and daughters at the table, too. Allll the time.” —u/g00fyg00ber741
“Everyone standing behind him looking like uncomfortable grandkids. Grandpa, stop talking. Stop. Talking.” —u/Evieveevee
“Legit gross. She is doing her fucking job you fucking creep. I am mad.” —u/imf4rds
“This is the only value he attributes to women. Beautiful or not beautiful. Women have no other worth to him whatsoever. He is a disgusting cretin.” —u/Gooncookies
“I’d have to peel my skin off if he said that to me.” —u/Melancholymechanic94
