(3rd LD) Trump says he will meet N. Korea's Kim this year, puts N.K. nukes at 57

President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he plans to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year. This is the first time the U.S. president has provided a specific figure for North Korea's nuclear arsenal, stating that Pyongyang possesses 57 very powerful nuclear weapons. The remark came during a press availability at the White House, following a report in The Wall Street Journal suggesting that Trump is pushing aides to arrange a meeting with Kim, potentially during his upcoming trip to Asia for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November.

Trump declined to disclose details about his plans for reengagement with Kim, stating that he cannot confirm whether he is exchanging written letters with the North Korean leader. In a separate press availability, Trump reiterated that he dislikes the South Korea-U.S. military drills aimed at North Korea, describing them as "very insulting." He also expressed concern over South Korea's refusal to assist the U.S. in securing the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical to U.S. oil supplies.