On June 27 local time, US President Donald Trump was overly flattering to a female journalist from Angola in the Oval Office, constantly praising her as "beautiful."

At that time, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement under the push of the United States, aiming to end decades of bloody conflict in eastern Congo. At the beginning of the signing ceremony, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt invited journalist and "my friend" Hariana Veras to speak to the media and those present, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and foreign ministers from the two African countries involved.

Veras is a White House correspondent for Angola Television. She first reported to Trump about what she saw in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, saying, "I saw hope; they now have hope for the future."

Trump was very impressed with Veras' statement, saying, "That's really good," then told the female journalist, "You're beautiful." Clearly, Trump didn't want to end his flattery quickly, and added, "I shouldn't say that, you know it could end my political career, but you're beautiful, and your heart is also beautiful. I hope there are more journalists like you."

Before being publicly praised by the president, Veras wasn't well known, but she is indeed the only African journalist certified by the White House. From the photos she shared on social media, it appears that she and the 79-year-old Trump are not strangers to face-to-face interaction.

In April this year, she seized the opportunity when Trump stepped down from Marine One and asked him a question on the South Lawn of the White House. The content of her question was related to the situation between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. She was the only one among the many journalists present who received an answer from Trump.

As to why Trump chose to give Veras some attention, it's probably not just because she is "beautiful."

Analysts pointed out that Trump's expression of appreciation for Veras had much to do with the fact that she also praised him, "She mentioned that when she was reporting in the Congo, people there knew the name of Trump."

Moreover, Trump's compliments to Veras also carried a "political motive." Although he claimed that calling Veras beautiful might cost him his job, in reality, he wanted to use such a small joke to enhance his international image and demonstrate his emphasis on diversity.

While Trump was earnestly expressing his admiration for African women, his Secretary of State, Rubio, was suddenly trending on social media due to his facial expressions.

When hearing his boss enthusiastically delivering praise, Rubio couldn't hold back and laughed heartily. Was he moved by his "humor," or did he think the leader was too insincere? Perhaps he suddenly realized something, and his smile immediately disappeared, instantly returning to his usual indifferent look.

Rubio's sudden smile easily reminded people of just a few days ago, when he was seen laughing so hard he bent over while standing behind Trump.

At that time, as Trump was leaving The Hague in the Netherlands, he was asked about being called "Dad" by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Trump himself seemed fine, but Rubio couldn't contain himself, laughing so hard that he stole many camera shots. Some comments suggested that people thought he might have had too much Botox, making his face stiff and unable to smile.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7521148477209756175/

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