Tuesday, 18 August 2026 MUMBAI EDITION LIVE

Trump Hails Respect From Kim Jong Un

US President Donald Trump says North Korean leader Kim Jong Un treats him with great respect. Trump claims his approach makes the Korean Peninsula safer.

Mumbai Alert · World Desk
Mumbai Alert · World Desk
World Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Tue, 18 August 2026 at 08:14 am
Trump Hails Respect From Kim Jong Un

US President Donald Trump has stated that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has always treated him with great respect. Trump highlighted their personal rapport, saying his approach is aimed at making the situation on the Korean Peninsula safer.

Trump spoke to reporters about his relationship with Kim, saying they have met on multiple occasions and understand each other. He contrasted his relationship with Kim to the North Korean leader's reported views of previous US presidents.

Trump said Kim did not like former US Presidents Biden and Obama, but he gets along with him very well. Trump claimed that his approach is making things safer, which is the opposite of what others have achieved.

This comes after Trump instructed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea. Trump cited his relationship with Kim and described the drills as costly and inappropriate.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the United States' participation in joint military exercises with South Korea. He said these exercises are not only costly but also send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile to North Korea.

Trump claimed that North Korea has been unthreatening and respectful during his presidency. He instructed Hegseth to substantially reduce the joint military exercises, as it was too late to cancel them altogether.

Trump's decision to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea has sparked interest, given his claims of a strong rapport with Kim Jong Un. The move is seen as an attempt to improve relations with North Korea and make the Korean Peninsula safer.

The Korean Peninsula has been a point of contention for many years, with tensions between North and South Korea often running high. The United States has historically been a key player in the region, providing military support to South Korea.

Trump's approach to North Korea has been different from that of his predecessors. He has engaged in direct talks with Kim Jong Un, which has led to a reduction in tensions between the two countries.

However, critics have argued that Trump's approach is too soft on North Korea, and that the country's nuclear program remains a significant threat to regional stability.

Despite these criticisms, Trump remains confident that his approach is making the Korean Peninsula safer. His claims of a strong rapport with Kim Jong Un have sparked interest, and the reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea is seen as a significant development in the region.

In conclusion, Trump's comments on his relationship with Kim Jong Un and his decision to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea have significant implications for the region. As the situation on the Korean Peninsula continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Trump's approach will achieve its intended goals.

Frequently asked questions

What did Trump say about his relationship with Kim Jong Un?

Trump said Kim Jong Un has always treated him with great respect and that they understand each other.

Why did Trump reduce joint military exercises with South Korea?

Trump reduced the exercises because he believes they are costly and send a hostile signal to North Korea.

trumpkim jong unnorth koreasouth koreakorean peninsula
X Facebook Telegram
Read the original report ↗

More in Geopolitics

Geopolitics

Trump Reduces US-S Korea Military Drills

US reduces military drills with S Korea, Trump cites cost and Iran

By Mumbai Alert · World Desk · 35 min ago

Geopolitics

Russian Oppn Leader Jailed 11 Years

Lev Shlosberg sentenced for anti-war remarks. Russian opposition leader jailed.

By Mumbai Alert · World Desk · 1 hr ago

Geopolitics

US Supreme Court Rejects Trump's Bid to Overturn $5mn Verdict

Trump loses appeal, $5mn judgment stands. Another $83.3mn verdict pending.

By Mumbai Alert · World Desk · 2 hr ago

Geopolitics

US Grid Operator Proposes Data Centre Shutdowns

Data centres may switch to backup generators during grid emergencies.

By Mumbai Alert · World Desk · 2 hr ago