Trump Claims Kim Jong Un Likes Him, Downplays North Korea’s Nuclear Program
Trump says Kim Jong Un likes him, downplays North Korea's nuclear program. New claims emerge as tensions rise.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made controversial remarks about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, suggesting the dictator’s nuclear capabilities are acceptable because he allegedly ‘likes’ Trump.
During a recent press appearance, Trump was questioned about why Iran should not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons while North Korea already possesses and continues to expand its arsenal. He responded by blaming former President Joe Biden for not addressing the issue with Pyongyang and claimed that Kim Jong Un is one of the few people who genuinely likes him.
He happens to be a friend of mine. Kim Jong Un, he is a friend of mine. He likes Trump, Trump said. He also asserted that Pyongyang has a “pretty large” nuclear capacity and that he is the only person in the world Kim truly respects and likes. Trump added that as long as he remains involved, Kim will be “fine.”
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The comments come amid growing concerns over North Korea’s military expansion. The regime has conducted six nuclear tests and demonstrated the ability to deliver nuclear warheads via long-range missiles. It has also formed a strategic alliance with Russia, sending troops and military equipment to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Despite Trump’s claims of a strong personal relationship with Kim, Pyongyang has not reciprocated his overtures. Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leader’s sister, recently dismissed Trump’s assertion that he maintains communication with her brother, stating she was “completely unaware” of any contact. However, she acknowledged that Kim retains “fond personal memories and feelings” toward Trump.
Trump has expressed a desire to meet with Kim again, even though no formal planning has taken place. He has reportedly pushed aides to arrange a meeting during his upcoming trip to China for the APEC summit later this year. This follows his decision to cancel joint military exercises with South Korea, which he criticized as “inappropriate and hostile” to North Korea.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
