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Trump Says He Will Meet North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un This Year
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Conflict & Security

Trump Says He Will Meet North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un This Year

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • U.S. President Donald Trump announced he will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this year, following a decision to reduce military drills with South Korea.
  • Trump specifically mentioned North Korea possesses "57 very powerful nuclear weapons," a detail that contrasts with South Korea's estimate of 80 to 120.
  • While Trump suggested a good relationship and potential for dialogue, North Korea's state media has indicated no knowledge of such planned contact.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that he plans to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year, a development that follows the U.S. decision to scale back military exercises with South Korea, a move aimed at easing tensions with Pyongyang.

Yes, I will meet with him.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump confirmed his intention to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

During an impromptu exchange with reporters while observing renovations at the White House, Trump confirmed the planned meeting. He also made a specific, unusual reference to North Korea's nuclear arsenal, stating, "They have 57 very powerful nuclear weapons." This figure differs significantly from the estimate provided by South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, who told lawmakers that the North possesses "around 80 to 120" nuclear weapons.

They have 57 very powerful nuclear weapons.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump provided a specific, though unconfirmed, number for North Korea's nuclear arsenal.

When questioned about whether Washington had abandoned its goal of denuclearization for North Korea, Ahn expressed doubt that this was the case. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who advocates for strengthening defense capabilities and reducing reliance on the U.S., pledged to "do everything possible" to support Trump's peace efforts with the North.

It should never have been allowed to happen... but they got them.

— Donald TrumpPresident Trump commented on North Korea's acquisition of nuclear weapons.

Trump had previously hinted at communication with Kim, emphasizing their "very good relationship." However, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of the North Korean leader, stated on Tuesday that she was unaware of any such planned contacts. Trump and Kim met three times during Trump's first term, but have not met since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. Analysts suggest that a meeting could serve Trump's foreign policy legacy, while the reduction in military drills aligns with North Korea's long-standing demand for dialogue.

Around 80 to 120.

— Ahn Gyu-backSouth Korea's Defense Minister provided an estimate of North Korea's nuclear weapons.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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