Trump Signals Potential Renewed Outreach to North Korea, Praises Kim Jong Un
President Donald Trump has indicated that he intends to reach out to North Korea “at some point,” reiterating his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Bloomberg reports.
“There is communication — I think it’s very important,” Trump told reporters on Monday, though he did not provide a specific timeline for such engagement.
He emphasized the significance of North Korea as a “big nuclear nation” and described Kim Jong Un as “a very smart guy.”
During his presidency, Trump notably initiated face-to-face talks with Kim, leading to the suspension or scaling down of some major US-South Korea military exercises. While these discussions ultimately stalled without a lasting agreement, Trump’s recent comments suggest a willingness to re-engage in dialogue during a potential second term.
This prospect is likely to raise concerns in South Korea, where officials fear that unilateral engagement by the US could undermine their security interests and weaken the united front against North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. Seoul has previously downplayed Trump’s characterization of Pyongyang as a nuclear power, stating that it does not signify acceptance of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.
“I have a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un — you people hate to hear that, but it’s very important,” Trump asserted.
When questioned directly about reaching out to North Korea, he responded that he would “probably do something at some point.”
