During a signing ceremony for a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, President Donald Trump complimented reporter Hariana Veras, telling her she was beautiful and expressing a desire for more reporters like her. This light-hearted comment came amidst the serious backdrop of efforts to end long-standing violence in eastern Congo.
The event took place in the Oval Office on Friday, as Trump presided over the signing of the Washington Accord, aimed at mitigating decades of conflict in the region. Key attendees included Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with foreign ministers from both Congo and Rwanda.
Hariana Veras, a White House correspondent and native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, shared her observations on the ground regarding the peace deal, noting, “I saw hope. They have hope now for a better day in Congo.” She added that Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi hoped to nominate Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.
In response to Veras’s remarks, Trump said, “So beautifully stated,” before telling her, “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.”
This incident added a personal touch to what was otherwise a solemn event signifying a critical step towards peace in Central Africa. The conflict in Congo, involving over 100 armed groups, has resulted in millions of fatalities since the 1990s, contributing to a humanitarian crisis and widespread displacement, particularly in the eastern regions where militias backed by Rwanda have taken control of large areas.
Trump remarked, “So we’re here today to celebrate a glorious triumph, and that’s what it is, for the cause of peace,” stressing his intent to pressure both nations to uphold the agreement.
He described the signing as a long-awaited milestone, stating, “This is a long time waiting. The signing of a historic peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda. The conflict has continued, and it’s been going on for many, many years.”
While the agreement is officially called the Washington Accord, Trump quipped that it could just as easily be named the “Trump Accord.” Additionally, the deal grants the U.S. access to various mineral resources in the DRC, including gold, lithium, and copper. Trump also took the opportunity to highlight his administration’s involvement in other international conflicts.