Trump Confirms 'Very Positive' Talks with Kim Jong-un, Criticizes South Korea
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated ongoing positive discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
- Trump praised Kim, stating their past meetings reduced tensions and that Kim treated him with respect.
- The president also reiterated criticism of joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises, calling them costly and inappropriate toward North Korea.
U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled that ongoing discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are progressing positively. Responding to journalists' inquiries, Trump confirmed that Kim had reacted to his overtures for dialogue, describing the situation as "very positive" without elaborating further. Trump also reaffirmed his praise for Kim, asserting that their previous encounters had successfully reduced tensions with North Korea. "See, I'm making it actually much safer," Trump stated, adding that Kim had always treated him with "great respect."
it is very positive
Trump expressed a sense of mutual understanding with Kim, saying, "I understand him, he understands me." During Trump's first term, he met with the North Korean leader three times. Since his return to the White House, however, no new meetings have occurred. Trump had recently announced his intention to significantly reduce joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea. He criticized these maneuvers as not only costly, with the U.S. bearing much of the expense, but also as an "absolutely inappropriate and hostile" signal toward North Korea.
See, I'm making it actually much safer.
Furthermore, Trump repeated his criticisms of South Korea, questioning the U.S. role in protecting other nations, especially those not reciprocating support. This sentiment was linked to South Korea's refusal to join U.S. military operations against Iran. Trump maintained that North Korea behaved "not threateningly" and "respectfully" during his presidency. Given his "very good relationship" with Kim, Trump stated he was "not happy about the fact that the U.S. agreed a long time ago to participate in joint military exercises with South Korea."
I understand him, he understands me.
Trump's announcement regarding military exercises drew bipartisan condemnation. Senator Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, called it a "crazy, unthought-out decision." Republican Senator Thom Tillis also voiced strong criticism, particularly referencing North Korea's support for Russia.
are not only costly, many of these costs are paid by the USA (as usual!)
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.