Commentary: Statements on North Korea – Trump confuses enemies and friends
Signals only work if the political message fits. Trump's mix of flattery and threatening scenery makes Kim stronger - and the allies more nervous.
US President Donald Trump has expressed admiration for his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, describing it as "very good" on his Truth Social platform. He also expressed discontent with joint military exercises between the US and South Korea, which were set to begin, saying they send an "entirely inappropriate and hostile signal" to North Korea.
Trump claimed that during his presidency, North Korea was "not threatening and respectful". He announced plans to significantly reduce the joint military exercises. His comments align with North Korea's long-standing narrative that the exercises are a provocation.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
