Bolton sees possibility of Trump meeting Kim in Pyongyang, warns of summit risks

Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton suggested on Tuesday that President Donald Trump may consider a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang, but warned of the significant risks involved. Bolton made these remarks during an online forum, as Trump has expressed his intention to meet Kim later this year.

Trump had previously held three meetings with Kim in Singapore, Hanoi and the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjom during his first term. Bolton argued that a meeting in Pyongyang is the only remaining option, as Trump has already visited the Demilitarized Zone and walked in North Korea. Bolton stated that Trump seeks a meeting to garner attention and distractions from domestic issues, such as the war in the Middle East, economic concerns, and the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.

He warned that the risk of another Trump-Kim meeting is very high, recalling that there was zero planning when Trump canceled joint military drills with South Korea in 2018. Bolton emphasized that a meeting between Trump and Kim could lead to unpredictable outcomes, as Trump may not seek advice from his administration on North Korea.