Trump Flirts with Reporter at Congo-Rwanda Peace Deal Ceremony

During a June 27 Oval Office ceremony marking the signing of a US-brokered peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, President Donald Trump praised White House correspondent Hariana Veras, who is originally from the DRC. Veras shared her observations of hope on the ground following the peace agreement and mentioned that Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi wished to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts. Trump responded warmly by calling Veras "beautiful inside and out," joking that his compliment could jeopardize his political career, and expressed a wish for more reporters like her. The moment, which drew laughter and nods from attendees including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sparked widespread online reactions with some viewing it as a sincere compliment and others noting its awkwardness. The peace agreement, known as the Washington Accord, aims to end decades of deadly conflict and humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo, highlighting Trump's role in facilitating international diplomacy in the region. Veras praised Trump’s hard work toward peace, contrasting it with former President Biden's approach, and underscored the significance of the US's involvement in fostering stability in Central Africa.