
President Donald Trump paused his press conference in the Oval Office to compliment Angolan reporter Hariana Veras.
Trump complimented Veras during a peace signing ceremony between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda at the White House on Friday.
“I shouldn’t say this because it’s politically incorrect… She’s beautiful,” Trump said. “And you are beautiful.”
Trump continued, “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.”
The president added that he wished he had “more reporters” like Veras. He then asked Veras how long she’s been covering the African continent.
Veras said she worked as a journalist for 10 years and she covered Trump’s first administration.
“Yes, I know that. That’s great,” Trump said, while shaking her hand. “So nice. And I appreciate it.”
#Trump was ready to risk it all complimenting this woman’s beauty…. pic.twitter.com/du2aKst6ed
— ReUPs™ (@_Re_UPS) June 29, 2025
Anti-Trumpers took issue with the president complimenting an African woman. One X (Twitter) user wrote: “I would run a mile if I was her for his record of sexual misconduct allegations.”
Others said Trump was being manipulative and racist. TheGrio.com claimed Trump flirted with the stunning reporter.
A third person said, “A real Woman takes no offense to a Man, no matter the race, giving her a compliment.”
A real Woman takes no offense to a Man, no matter the race, giving her a compliment. First, he’s correct, she’s a beautiful Woman. Secondly, he wasn’t disrespectful or sleezy – a real Woman will sense that immediately. The liberal media will find a way to make a big deal of it…
— Welsing Fan Club (@Evonne57117825) June 29, 2025
I don’t know why it’s politically incorrect to state facts. Women love to hear that someone thinks they’re beautiful. It’s sick that this is demonized.
— Sarah (@LasagnaFried) June 29, 2025