Expert says chance of Trump-Kim meeting is 'slim to none'

Washington — A senior analyst suggested on Tuesday that the likelihood of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is minimal, stating that the possibility hinges on the extent to which the United States lowers its expectations or if Trump is prepared to make concessions. Bruce Klingner, a senior fellow at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, made these comments at a forum in Washington, while discussions circulated regarding the possibility of Trump arranging a summit with Kim during his upcoming trip to Asia, which is likely to see him attend a regional conference in Shenzhen, China in November.

He remarked, "Overall, the chances of a meeting seem to be pretty slim, and 'slim' just rode out of town." However, he also acknowledged that it could still materialize, contingent upon the United States lowering its standards or Trump's readiness to offer compromises. Klingner's remarks emerged as there is growing anticipation for Trump's potential engagement with Kim, potentially motivated by a desire to secure a diplomatic achievement and enhance his reputation as a peacemaker.