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President Donald Trump defended his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un while arguing that previous U.S. presidents could have prevented Pyongyang from developing its nuclear capabilities.
Trump Defends Kim Ties
On Tuesday, speaking after meeting with AI leaders at the White House, Trump was asked why Iran cannot have nuclear weapons while North Korea has already developed a nuclear arsenal.
He attributed North Korea’s nuclear development to previous administrations, saying, “You know why? Because you had a different president. And they could have stopped him.”
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Trump called Kim “a friend of mine” and said, “I’m about the only person in the entire world that he likes, and I like him.”
He acknowledged North Korea has a significant nuclear capability, describing it as “pretty large,” while noting that it is not comparable to the U.S. arsenal.
The President also defended his personal relationship with Kim, saying, “As long as I’m around, he’s going to be fine.”
“You know why? Because he respects me and he likes me,” he added.
“He happens to be a friend of mine,” President Trump said about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when asked Tuesday why North Korea can have nuclear weapons but not Iran. “I’m about the only person in the entire world that he likes, and I like him.”
Trump then said, “As long as… pic.twitter.com/wMPcFwBORX
— CBS News (@CBSNews) September 29, 2026
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Trump Defended North Korea Strategy
Last month, Trump said Kim responded to his outreach for talks but did not reveal details.
Trump also defended his relationship with Kim, saying the North Korean leader had treated him with “great respect” and that they understood each other.
Trump also ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises, citing their cost, his relationship with Kim and South Korea’s refusal to join U.S. efforts involving Iran.
The Ulchi Freedom Shield drills continued as scheduled, with about 18,000 South Korean troops participating.
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Trump Kept Iran Talks Open
On Monday, Trump remained open to easing sanctions on Iran and releasing frozen Iranian funds in exchange for “concrete progress” on its nuclear program.
U.S.-Iran talks were described as “positive and constructive,” but both sides remained divided over whether sanctions relief or nuclear concessions should come first.
Photo courtesy: Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock.com
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