White House says U.S. policy on N. Korea unchanged, reaffirms Trump's openness to dialogue with Kim

The United States remains committed to its policy on North Korea, according to a White House official, who emphasized that President Donald Trump remains open to dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un without any preconditions. The official addressed questions about the White House's preparation for a potential Trump-Kim summit, noting that the U.S. policy on North Korea has not changed.

Trump's openness to talking with Kim was demonstrated through three summits during his first term, which reportedly stabilized the Korean Peninsula. However, recent comments by Trump suggesting North Korea possesses 57 powerful nuclear weapons have reignited discussions about the administration's goal in reengaging with Kim. It is unclear whether the Trump administration intends to pursue denuclearization or aims for a lesser outcome, such as reducing tensions.

Kelly McKeague, director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, revealed that the White House has inquired with the Pentagon agency regarding potential actions if a deal with Kim is reached, signaling the administration's interest in resuming summitry with North Korea. South Korea's National Intelligence Service has indicated that a Trump-Kim summit could occur at any time, citing possible signs of dialogue between the two nations.

During his first term, Trump met with Kim in Singapore in June 2018, February 2019, and at the Panmunjom inter-Korean border village in June 2019.