Trump calls female reporter ‘beautiful’, says he wishes more were ‘like you’ in awkward on-camera moment

WASHINGTON, DC: What was intended to be a diplomatic moment at the White House took an unexpected detour Friday, June 27, when President Donald Trump praised a female reporter’s appearance during the signing of a historic peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

The Oval Office ceremony marked the formalization of the so-called Washington Accord, a US-brokered agreement aimed at ending decades of brutal conflict in eastern Congo.

But it was Trump’s unscripted comment to Congolese journalist Hariana Veras that captured headlines, as reported by The Daily Beast.

Donald Trump tells female reporter 'she's beautiful' during signing of DRC-Rwanda peace deal

Hariana Veras, a White House correspondent originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, shared a heartfelt observation with Donald Trump following news of the peace deal.

“I saw hope. They have hope now for a better day in Congo,” she told him.  

After Veras described the “hope” she had witnessed on the ground in Congo following the peace announcement and relayed that DRC President Felix Tshisekedi wanted to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, the president responded warmly.

“So beautifully stated,” Trump said, adding, “She's beautiful.”

“I’m not allowed to say that,” he joked. “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 room, filled with top officials including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, fell briefly silent before some nervous laughter followed.

Internet reacts after Donald Trump tells female reporter 'you're beautiful' in Oval Office

President Donald Trump sparked a wave of online commentary after telling a woman reporter “you’re beautiful” during a recent media interaction. The remark, which came during a brief but emotional exchange, quickly went viral with reactions ranging from admiration to speculation about his intent.

Supporters viewed the comment as sincere, with one saying, “Well, he's right. She is beautiful,” and another wrote, “Trump is saying ‘beautiful inside’ so people won’t accuse him of hitting on the woman.”

Some supporters were moved by the exchange, as one person expressed, “Wow, what a lovely moment!”

“Heaven forbid President Trump compliment someone!” an individual, possibly hinting at the backlash he could face for making such a comment. 

“I cried when I heard what she said about hope. God bless you President Trump and God Bless America,” a tweet read. 

One user noted a lighter detail: “Rubio's expression is priceless.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.