U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday, August 17, that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had responded to his latest diplomatic outreach, one day after Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea.
When asked in the Oval Office why Kim had not responded, Trump replied, “he has,” describing the exchange as “very positive” but offering no further details. He added, “Kim Jong Un has always treated me with great respect. I understand him. He understands me.” North Korea has not publicly confirmed any communication.
Trump and Kim met three times during Trump’s first term: in Singapore in 2018, Hanoi in 2019, and at the Korean Demilitarized Zone. Their negotiations eventually stalled over North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.
The recent outreach followed Trump’s Sunday announcement on Truth Social, where he ordered the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” military exercises with South Korea. Trump described the drills “inappropriate and hostile” and also criticized Seoul for refusing to support Washington’s military operation against Iran.
“We have 39,000 soldiers over there, guarding you from Kim Jong Un,” Trump stated. He added that it was too late to cancel the exercises entirely but instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to reduce them.
The 10-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises commenced Monday as scheduled, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. North Korea has consistently described US-South Korean military exercises as preparations for war.
The decision drew criticism. Senator Mark Kelly called it “shortsighted and a mistake,” while Leif-Eric Easley of Ewha Womans University warned it could weaken alliance coordination and deterrence. Retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery also warned that reducing exercises could lower military readiness.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated that Seoul should strengthen its independent defense capabilities while maintaining its alliance with Washington.
Since Trump’s last meeting with Kim in 2019, North Korea has strengthened relations with Russia and maintained close ties with China. North Korean troops have fought alongside Russia in Ukraine, and Kyiv reports that North Korean-made missiles have been used by Russian forces.
