‘Has always treated me with great respect’: Trump’s fresh praise for Kim Jong Un

Former US President Donald Trump has once again lauded North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, emphasizing that their relationship was built on mutual respect. Trump told reporters that Kim consistently treated him well, contrasting this with Kim's reported negative views of other US presidents like Biden and Obama.

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Kim Jong Un has always treated me with great respect. We met on two main occasions, spoke and spent time together. I understand him, and he understands me. I get along with him.

Trump, who met Kim twice during his presidency, stated, "I understand him, and he understands me. I get along with him very well." He linked this personal rapport to his administration's efforts to enhance safety, claiming his approach was the opposite of previous policies.

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He (Kim) didn’t like Biden, he didn’t like Obama, he didn’t like anybody, but I get along with him very well. What I’m doing now is making things safer, just the opposite.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump expressed his disapproval of the US commitment to joint military exercises with South Korea. He described these exercises as expensive and sending an "inappropriate and hostile" message to North Korea, which he characterized as having remained "unthreatening and respectful" during his tenure. Although he acknowledged it was too late to cancel the exercises entirely, he directed that they be significantly reduced.

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Based on my very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, of North Korea, I am not happy with the fact that the United States has, long ago, agreed to participate in Joint Military Exercises with South Korea.

Trump also shared a past photograph with Kim, noting that despite their serious expressions in the image, they actually "get along GREAT."

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Despite the unfriendly look on this particular picture, there are many where we’re smiling. Kim Jong Un and I get along GREAT!