Donald Trump was warned he shouldn't make certain comments to a female journalist... but, in true Trump style, he went ahead and did it anyway, and it has left people divided.
On Friday, the United States facilitated a peace deal signed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, aiming to end decades of conflict in eastern Congo.
The ceremony in the Oval Office included Democratic Republic of the Congo Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Trump’s senior adviser Massad Boulos.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt invited Angolan reporter Hariana Verás Victória, who covers the White House and reports for the continent of Africa, to attend the event.
Hariana told Trump that residents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were thankful for the peace he was working to bring.
"That's so nice," Trump responded, before noting he had been 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!"
Hariana beamed at the compliment while others in the room laughed, with Trump continuing: “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.”
Trump then asked how long she had been covering news for Africa and thanked her for attending, concluding the conversation.
The clip of the exchange quickly spread online, with some people calling the interaction uncomfortable, tone-deaf, and “creepy.”
One user on X wrote: “Trump’s objectification of women, even in professional settings, exemplifies his ongoing disregard for gender equality and respect, perpetuating a toxic culture that undermines women’s roles and contributions.”
Another added: "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."
A third person said: "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."
"It’s unprofessional. Women want to be recognized on their intelligence, not their looks," another X user typed.
However, not everybody agreed.
One person argued: "When in the world has it been gross to recognise beauty?"
Another tweeted: "President Donald Trump says it as it is. She is indeed, beautiful!!"
Despite the backlash, Trump’s comments appeared to please Hariana in the room, but online, many viewed the moment as another example of the former president’s inability to read the room.