Trump says he will meet North Korea's Kim later this year

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday he plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year, marking a potential first encounter of Trump's second term. The US president also offered a rare and specific assessment of Kim's nuclear capabilities, stating North Korea possesses 57 "very powerful" nuclear weapons.

Trump made the announcement to reporters while touring a new helipad at the White House. He indicated the meeting could occur during his planned trip to China for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November. "Yeah, I will be," Trump told reporters when asked about meeting Kim later in 2026.

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Yeah, I will be

Defending the planned meeting, Trump contrasted it with his administration's actions against Iran, stating, "I can't let Iran have a nuclear weapon. And I know Kim Jong Un very well, and he's going to be fine." He acknowledged that North Korea's nuclear program "should have never allowed it to happen," but emphasized his ability to work with Kim.

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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.

The announcement comes just two days after the US decided to reduce military drills with South Korea. Trump cited his "good relationship" with Kim as a factor in this decision. He previously met Kim three times during his first term, famously stating they "fell in love" after exchanging "beautiful letters."

Kim Jong Un's sister, who is a powerful figure in North Korea, stated she was "unaware" of any reported communication between her brother and Trump. However, she added that ties between the two countries remain "excellent."

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unaware of reported communication between her brother and Donald Trump, but said ties between the two remained "excellent."