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Asked 'Is North Korea Denuclearization the Goal?', Trump Responds 'I Don't Want to Talk About That'

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • President Trump indicated he expects to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by the end of the year but avoided confirming denuclearization as the goal of renewed engagement.
  • Trump asserted his strong leadership would ensure Kim remains "fine," while also mentioning North Korea possesses 57 nuclear weapons.
  • He expressed a positive personal relationship with Kim, stating they "get along very well," and suggested his presidency made allies like South Korea and Japan safer.

President Donald Trump signaled an expectation of meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by year's end, stating "Yeah, I will be" when asked about a potential summit. However, Trump deflected direct questions regarding whether denuclearization remains the objective of renewed engagement with Pyongyang, responding, "I don't want to talk about that."

Yeah, I will be.

— Donald TrumpTrump responded affirmatively when asked if he expected to meet with Kim Jong Un by the end of the year.

During a press conference at the White House, Trump emphasized his personal rapport with Kim, noting, "I get along with him very well. The fact that I get along with him is a good thing." He also commented on North Korea's nuclear capabilities, stating, "He has 57 very powerful nuclear weapons," and asserted that under "a smart president," Kim would be "fine." Trump implied that his strong leadership and relationship with Kim were key to managing the situation, contrasting it with what he suggested would be a less stable scenario under a "stupid president."

Trump reiterated his belief that his presidency offered greater security to allies like South Korea and Japan. He also linked his decision to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea to his relationship with Kim, describing the large-scale drills as "very insulting" to someone who had been "behaving very nicely" during his term.

Can't tell you that.

— Donald TrumpTrump declined to confirm if he was exchanging letters with Kim Jong Un.

The president also voiced dissatisfaction with South Korea's perceived reluctance to support U.S. efforts in the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that while he contributes to the security of South Korea and Japan, Seoul did not reciprocate by assisting in the Hormuz initiative.

But I get along with him. The fact that I get along with him is a good thing.

— Donald TrumpTrump highlighted his positive personal relationship with the North Korean leader.

While the Trump administration's official policy has consistently called for North Korea's denuclearization, Trump's public statements have often focused on personal diplomacy and managing the relationship with Kim Jong Un, sometimes appearing to prioritize stability and personal connection over the stated policy goal.

He has 57 very powerful nuclear weapons.

— Donald TrumpTrump mentioned North Korea's nuclear arsenal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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