Trump Plans Meeting with Kim Jong Un Later This Year

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday his intention to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later in 2026, aiming to rekindle the relationship he claims to have established during his first term.

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Yeah, I will be.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining a good relationship with Kim. He provided a specific assessment, stating that Pyongyang now possesses 57 "very powerful" nuclear weapons. Trump contrasted this with his stance on Iran, asserting, "I can't let Iran have a nuclear weapon. And I know Kim Jong Un very well, and he's going to be fine."

The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump is considering the meeting during his planned trip to Shenzhen, China, for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November. However, South Korea's defense minister, Ahn Gyu-back, stated on Thursday that North Korea is estimated to possess between 80 and 120 nuclear weapons. Seoul officially opposes recognizing North Korea as a nuclear state.

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He has 57 very powerful nuclear weapons. Should have never allowed it to happen... If I were president, I wouldn't have allowed it. But he's got them. I get along with him very well. I can't let Iran have a nuclear weapon. And I know Kim Jong Un very well, and he's going to be fine.

When asked if Washington had abandoned efforts toward North Korea's denuclearization, Ahn expressed disbelief. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, a proponent of stronger domestic defense capabilities to reduce reliance on the U.S., pledged his utmost effort to support Trump's peacemaking initiatives with North Korea.

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We usually estimate it to be around 80 to 120.

While acknowledging Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal, the U.S. does not officially recognize North Korea as a nuclear state. Trump's specific mention of 57 nuclear weapons aligns with previous U.S. government and think tank estimates of 50 to 60. Trump and Kim previously met three times during Trump's first term, with their last encounter in 2019. Trump described their past interactions as having "fallen in love" after exchanging "beautiful letters."

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I will do my utmost to support and contribute to Trump's peacemaking efforts with the North.