Official announcements from the White House or North Korean state media

Trump to Reconnect with Kim Jong Un Amid Recent Missile Tests

Jan 26, 2025, 01:56 AM

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to re-engage with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, expressing a willingness to restart talks. Trump described Kim as a "smart guy" and noted their past rapport during his first term, when they met three times between 2018 and 2019, including the 2018 Singapore summit. Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to set foot in North Korea during one of those meetings. He emphasized his intention to build on prior discussions, which aimed at addressing North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. During a recent interview, Trump stated, "I will" reach out to Kim. However, North Korea recently conducted strategic cruise missile tests, signaling a potential challenge to renewed diplomacy. Trump has also suggested the possibility of halting U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises to facilitate negotiations.