Trump scales back US-South Korea military drills, says Kim Jong Un responded to dialogue

President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to reduce the scale of joint military exercises with South Korea. Trump announced that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has responded to his recent calls for dialogue, further emphasizing his personal relationship with the North Korean leader.

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You see, actually, I'm making the situation much safer. Kim Jong Un has been very respectful to me. I understand him, and he understands me.

Speaking at the White House, Trump told reporters that his relationship with Kim has made the situation "much safer." While Trump met Kim three times during his first term, they have not met since he returned to office. When asked why Kim had not responded to dialogue requests since Trump's return, the president responded, "How do you know he hasn't responded?" He later confirmed, "Yes, he has responded."

Trump described the progress of his dialogue with Kim as "very positive" but did not provide further details. He reiterated his praise for Kim, stating that their relationship helps de-escalate tensions. "You see, actually, I'm making the situation much safer. Kim Jong Un has been very respectful to me. I understand him, and he understands me," Trump said.

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How do you know he hasn't responded?

While commending the North Korean leader, Trump also criticized key ally South Korea for not assisting the U.S. in confronting Iran. The U.S. president framed the conflict with Iran as an effort to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

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Yes, he has responded.