Hariana Veras: A Journalist in the Spotlight
This happened in the Oval Office when a peace deal facilitated by the United States was signed by the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, with the aim to end the decades-long fighting in eastern Congo, as per Daily Beast report.
The White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had invited reporter and “friend” Veras, a native of the DRC, to address the press and attendees, including US vice president JD Vance, secretary of state Marco Rubio, and the foreign ministers from the two African countries, as per the report. She shared her observations from the ground in the DRC following news of the peace agreement, as Veras told Trump, “I saw hope. They have hope now for a better day in Congo ”and also mentioned that Congo’s President Felix Tshiseked wanted to nominate Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, as reported by Daily Beast.
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Donald Trump’s Oval Office Moment Goes Off Script
The US president responded by saying, “So beautifully stated,” before adding that Veras was also “beautiful,” as quoted in the report.
He then joked, saying, “I’m not allowed to say that,” as quoted in the Daily Beast report. Trump even said 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,” as quoted in the Daily Beast report.
What the Washington Accord Means for Congo and the US
The moment occurred during what was actually a serious occasion, the signing of the Washington Accord between Rwanda and the DRC, according to the report. This deal seeks to bring an end to the conflict that has resulted in millions of deaths since the 1990s and caused a humanitarian crisis in the region, as per the Daily Beast report.
Trump said, “So we’re here today to celebrate a glorious triumph, and that’s what it is, for the cause of peace,” as quoted in the report. He also highlighted that he would be “putting a lot of pressure” on both sides to honor the agreement, as per Daily Beast report.
He also pointed out that, “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,” as quoted in the report.
The agreement will also grant the United States access to the DRC’s deposits of metals and minerals, including gold, lithium, and copper.
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Donald Trump Praises Himself
Trump also gave credit to himself for his role in other foreign conflicts, as he said, “In a few short months, we’ve now achieved peace between India and Pakistan, India and Iran, and the DRC and Rwanda, and a couple of others, also,” as quoted in the Daily Beast report.
FAQs
What did Trump say to Hariana Veras?
Trump praised her remarks and told her she was “beautiful — and beautiful inside.” He joked that the compliment could end his political career.
Why was Hariana Veras at the Oval Office?
She was invited by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to speak during the signing ceremony between the DRC and Rwanda.
