Trump Says Kim Jong Un Responded to Outreach After US Scales Back South Korea Military Drills

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has responded to his recent outreach, signaling renewed communication between the two leaders as Washington moves to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump was asked why Kim had apparently remained silent despite efforts by the U.S. president to reestablish contact.

“He has,” Trump replied, without providing details about when or how the North Korean leader responded.

Trump and Kim developed an unusual diplomatic relationship during Trump’s first term, exchanging letters and holding high-profile meetings aimed at addressing North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Their relationship, however, has attracted less attention since Trump returned to the White House.

The two leaders held major summits in Singapore in 2018 and Hanoi in 2019. Negotiations ultimately stalled after Washington and Pyongyang failed to reach an agreement over nuclear disarmament and sanctions relief.

North Korea remains subject to extensive international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

Trump emphasized that his previous interactions with Kim had helped establish mutual understanding between them. He said the North Korean leader had treated him with respect and pointed to their past meetings and conversations as evidence of their personal relationship.

The comments came shortly after Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises. The drills have long been a source of tension with Pyongyang, which has repeatedly criticized them as preparations for military action against North Korea.

Trump announced the decision Sunday, citing the financial cost of the exercises as well as South Korea’s refusal to participate in actions against Iran.

The development could draw renewed attention to U.S.-North Korea relations and the possibility of diplomatic engagement between Trump and Kim. However, Trump did not indicate whether Kim’s response could lead to another summit or renewed negotiations over North Korea’s nuclear program.