U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reviving diplomacy with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) during his first meeting with Republic of Korea (ROK) President Lee Jae-myung at the White House on Monday. Trump stated he maintains a 'very good relationship' with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un and hopes to meet him again this year.
Decades-Old Tensions and New Dialogues
Trump highlighted his three historic summits with Kim between 2018 and 2019, including their Singapore meeting – the first-ever U.S.-DPRK leaders' summit. While no concrete agreements emerged from those talks, Trump emphasized Kim's 'tremendous potential' to develop his country through renewed engagement.
Trade and Security Dominate ROK Talks
The Trump-Lee meeting unfolded amid lingering disputes over a July trade deal requiring $350 billion in ROK investments in the U.S., military cost-sharing, and nuclear energy cooperation. Trump reiterated concerns about ROK's reliance on U.S. defense, calling Seoul a 'money machine' benefiting from American troops. When asked about reducing U.S. troop numbers, Trump suggested the ROK might consider transferring land ownership of Camp Humphreys, a major U.S. military base.
Diplomatic Theater and Strategic Praise
Lee employed flattery tactics common among Trump's foreign guests, praising the president's interior design choices and peacemaking efforts. The ROK leader also revealed he studied Trump's 1987 memoir to prepare for negotiations, while urging continued U.S. engagement with the DPRK.
Analysts note the meeting's outcomes could shape cross-Pacific economic ties and stability in the Korean Peninsula as both leaders navigate complex domestic and geopolitical pressures.
