People Are Weirded Out After Trump Called An African Reporter “Beautiful,” Despite Being Warned Against It
President Donald Trump‘s recent interaction with an African reporter has people talking for all the wrong reasons.
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On Friday, the United States facilitated a peace deal signed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, in hopes of ending the ongoing battles that have been happening in eastern Congo for decades.
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The meeting was held with Democratic Republic of the Congo Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe in the Oval Office. The leaders were also joined by US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Trump’s senior adviser Massad Boulos.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt invited reporter and “friend” Hariana Verás Victória to participate in the event. Hariana, who represents the continent of Africa in her reports, told POTUS that residents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were thankful for the work he’s doing and are hopeful for the peace he plans to bring.
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“That’s so nice,” Trump said, before noting he was advised not to comment on Hariana’s appearance. “And so beautifully stated. Karoline said this, number one, that I shouldn’t say this because it’s politically incorrect…she said, ‘She’s beautiful.’ And you are beautiful!”
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Hariana gushed at the compliment as others in the room laughed and smiled as Trump continued praising her.
“I’m not allowed to say that, you know that? It could be the end of my political career, but I’ll say it anyway. You are beautiful, and you’re beautiful inside. I wish I had more reporters like you.”
He went on to ask her how long she’s been covering news for Africa. Trump concluded their conversation by thanking Hariana for the kind words and for attending the ceremony.
A clip of their conversation went viral, and as you can imagine, people online had a lot to say about the interaction, with many comparing it to an old man trying to flirt with a waitress:
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“It’s giving, embarrassing grandpa talking to a server at Applebee’s. (He won’t leave a tip.)” —u/SwissSwissBangBang
“He reminds me so much of my grandfather (who voted for him). He’d do this thing where he’d ask the waitress to stir her finger in his unsweet tea to make it sweeter. With his wife and daughters at the table, too. Allll the time.” —u/g00fyg00ber741
“Everyone standing behind him looking like uncomfortable grandkids. Grandpa, stop talking. Stop. Talking.” —u/Evieveevee
While others called him a “creep”:
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“Legit gross. She is doing her fucking job you fucking creep. I am mad.” —u/imf4rds
“This is the only value he attributes to women. Beautiful or not beautiful. Women have no other worth to him whatsoever. He is a disgusting cretin.” —u/Gooncookies
“I’d have to peel my skin off if he said that to me.” —u/Melancholymechanic94
You can watch the full clip below:
What do you think of this? A genuine compliment or creepy behavior? Share your thoughts with me in the comments!
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