Chicago – August 26, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and was open to further trade talks with South Korea, even as he criticized the visiting South Korean leader.
The remarks came during a visit by South Korea’s new President, Lee Jae Myung, who arrived for talks shortly after Trump criticized the South Korean government over its handling of investigations into a December attempt by former President Yoon Suk Yeol to impose martial law.
The situation created a tense atmosphere for President Lee, who took office in June following Yoon’s impeachment. During their meeting in the Oval Office, Trump confirmed his openness to renegotiating parts of the U.S.-South Korean trade agreement and reiterated his desire to meet with Kim Jong Un at the right time. “I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong Un in the appropriate future,” Trump told reporters.
President Lee praised Trump and expressed hope that the U.S. would continue to engage with North Korea. South Korea relies heavily on the U.S. for its security, with American troops stationed in the country and nuclear deterrence provided by Washington.
Trump previously called South Korea a “money machine,” suggesting that it benefits from U.S. military protection.
