Trump Said That Kim Jong Un "has Always Respected Him"

• 18.08.2026, 9:59

The day before, the U.S. president ordered a reduction in military exercises with South Korea.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un treats him with respect and has responded to his call for dialogue. This came after Trump ordered a reduction in military exercises with South Korea the day before.

This was reported by Reuters.

The agency notes that Trump’s relationship with Kim Jong-un has received less attention from the White House than during his first presidential term, when they met and exchanged letters.

However, Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in resuming peaceful diplomacy with the North Korean leader.

Yesterday, Monday, when asked by a reporter at the White House why Kim Jong-un had not responded to his attempts to resume dialogue, Trump said, “He did respond.” However, he did not provide any details.

“Kim Jong-un has always treated me with respect,” the U.S. president added.

It should be noted that these remarks came a day after Trump instructed the Pentagon on Saturday to “significantly reduce” joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises.

Trump cited the cost of the exercises and Seoul’s refusal to participate in actions against Iran as reasons for this move.