Key points
- Trump offers Kim-Lee meeting mediation
- South Korea’s outreach rejected by North
- US-South Korea ties under strain
ISLAMABAD: President Donald Trump, alongside South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, on Monday, praised North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and emphasised their “positive relationship”, despite visible tensions in the longstanding US-South Korea alliance.
BREAKING 🚨 The President of South Korea stuns the World saying Donald Trump is the only person who can establish PEACE on the Korean Peninsula
Trump: “We can do big progress with North Korea absolutely”
America is respected again ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KUMZdPy7K7
— MAGA Voice (@MAGAVoice) August 25, 2025
During their Oval Office meeting, Trump repeatedly highlighted his strong rapport with Kim, described North Korea as having “great potential”, and even offered to facilitate a meeting between Kim and President Lee, according to The New York Times.
The remarks, although in line with Trump’s history of admiring authoritarian figures, were striking given that President Lee sat silently beside him.
President Lee, who took office in June, has recently made efforts to ease tensions with the North. However, these were firmly rejected by Pyongyang. Kim Yo-jong, speaking for her brother, stated via state media: “no matter what policy is adopted and whatever proposal is made in Seoul, we have no interest in it.”
Diplomatic friction
This was Trump’s first meeting with Lee, at a time when US-South Korea ties are under strain, partly due to Washington’s increased focus on China. Despite the diplomatic friction, Trump reaffirmed the strength of the alliance, suggesting the US might contract ships from South Korea and recalling America’s WWII industrial prowess. He predicted a revival of that era, fuelled by South Korean investment.
Trump to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung: I had a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un — still do. We became very friendly. It was great RESPECT
‘We think we can do something with regards to the North and South’ pic.twitter.com/WIbkQTuoyM
— RT (@RT_com) August 25, 2025
Yet, Trump continually returned to his relationship with Kim Jong-un, recalling his historic 2019 visit to the Demilitarised Zone, where he became the first sitting US president to step into North Korea. He noted their improved relationship following earlier hostility and threats.
“I’d like to have a meeting,” Trump said, adding, “I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong-un in the appropriate future.” His comments underscored his continued interest in playing a central role in Korean diplomacy.
