US President Donald Trump said Monday he’s hoping to sit down with Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), later this year ✌️. He made the remark at the White House while welcoming Republic of Korea (ROK) President Lee Jae-myung.
Trump noted they “get along really well” and praised the DPRK’s “tremendous potential.” It would be their fourth in-person chat after Singapore 2018, Hanoi 2019, and the June 2019 meeting at Panmunjom.
But Trump’s first face-off with Lee had some drama: a vague “Purge or Revolution” jab on social media that Trump later chalked up to a “misunderstanding” between allies.
Despite sealing a $350 billion ROK investment deal in July to ease U.S. tariffs, both sides still debated nuclear energy, military spending, and trade details. The ROK’s export-driven economy leans heavily on American support.
Lee kept things chill by complimenting Trump’s decor and peacemaking skills—and even joked that he prepped with “The Art of the Deal.” He urged Trump to keep engaging with the DPRK.
When asked about cutting U.S. troop numbers in the ROK, Trump played coy—“I don’t want to say that now”—then floated handing over the land of Camp Humphreys as a “possible solution.” He also called Seoul a “money machine” taking advantage of U.S. protection.
As the region watches closely, another Trump–Kim meet-up could reshape talks on security, trade, and peace on the Korean Peninsula. 🌏
Reference(s):
Trump says he hopes to meet Kim Jong Un at meeting with ROK's Lee
cgtn.com
