Oval Office Exchange Between Trump and African Reporter Draws Backlash

On Friday, President Donald Trump stirred significant online buzz by calling an African journalist "beautiful" during a meeting in the Oval Office with officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The DRC's White House correspondent, Hariana Verás Victória, was present for discussions following the signing of a peace treaty between DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reportedly invited Victória, who shared that many in the DRC appreciated Trump’s peace efforts.In a moment that drew immediate attention, Trump acknowledged her compliment while revealing that he was advised against commenting on her appearance. He added, “You are beautiful,” eliciting laughter and smiles from those around. Following this, Verás Victória informed Trump of the potential nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the DRC’s peace efforts. Despite the administration’s involvement, concerns linger regarding ongoing violence in eastern Congo, notably from Rwandan-backed militias.