"You're Truly Beautiful"... Who Is the Journalist Praised by Trump?

An Impromptu Remark During the Congo-Rwanda Peace Agreement Ceremony
"I Might End My Political Career With This," Trump Jokes

U.S. President Donald Trump drew attention by praising the beauty of an African-born female journalist during the signing ceremony of the Congo-Rwanda peace agreement.

On the 27th (local time), President Trump hosted a ceremony at the White House where, under U.S. mediation, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, signed a peace agreement to end 30 years of bloody conflict.

According to outlets such as The Daily Beast, at the beginning of the event, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt introduced Ariana Veras, a journalist from Congo, as "currently the only African-born journalist with White House press credentials." President Trump then personally made room for Veras to speak, inviting her to the front.

Veras stated, "I am here representing the African continent," and added, "I flew in from Congo yesterday. After the announcement of the agreement, I witnessed hope on the ground." She also mentioned that President Felix Tshisekedi of Congo wishes to nominate President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

President Donald Trump (right) and Ariana Veras (second from left) Photo by Yonhap News

When Veras finished her remarks, President Trump said, "That was truly beautiful. You are truly beautiful." He then joked, "I know saying this might not be politically correct and could end my political career."

He continued, "But as Karoline said, you are truly beautiful, and even more beautiful on the inside. I wish there were more journalists like you," as he continued to praise Veras and shook her hand.

Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who were present at the scene, were also captured on camera smiling as they watched the exchange.

Meanwhile, relations between Congo and Rwanda had reached a peak of tension after the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, occupied major cities in eastern Congo. With this agreement, the two countries pledged to: uphold territorial integrity, respect each other, prohibit hostile acts, withdraw Rwandan troops, dismantle non-state armed groups, and establish a joint security body.