Trump hints at N Korea contact amid tensions with Seoul

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has responded to his recent attempts at communication. This statement comes just a day after Trump ordered a reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, an action he linked to Seoul's reluctance to support Washington's war efforts in Iran.

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How do you know he hasn't responded?

Trump asserted that his personal relationship with Kim Jong Un has made the situation "much safer." He told reporters, "You see, I'm actually making it much safer. Kim Jong Un has always treated me with great respect. I understand him. He understands me."

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Yeah, he has.

Trump expressed frustration with South Korea's stance on the Iran conflict. "Wait a minute. We have 39,000 soldiers over there, guarding you from Kim Jong Un, your next-door neighbor, and you're not going to help us on a very easy military operation in Iran. That's strange," he said, questioning the value of U.S. support for allies who do not reciprocate. He also cast doubt on continued U.S. commitment to allies, including NATO members, who have not contributed to the Iran war effort.

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You see, I'm actually making it much safer. Kim Jong Un has always treated me with great respect. I understand him. He understands me.

South Korean officials, however, stated that the military exercises had commenced as scheduled. They expressed hope that the personal rapport between Trump and Kim could facilitate a return to dialogue. The presidential office in Seoul clarified that the drills are not intended to target North Korea or escalate tensions, but rather to "safeguard the safe and peaceful daily lives of the people."

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Wait a minute. We have 39,000 soldiers over there, guarding you from Kim Jong Un, your next-door neighbor, and you're not going to help us on a very easy military operation in Iran. That's strange.