Trump Slams Lee Over Refusal to Support Iran Operation, Says Kim Jong Un Responded to His Outreach: "Very Positive"

Financial News, New York = Lee Byung-chul President Donald Trump said on the 19th that Kim Jong Un, the president of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, had responded to his proposal for North Korea–United States dialogue.The remark came just one day after he ordered a major reduction in ROK-US Combined Military Exercise participation, directly suggesting the possibility of contact between the two sides. At the White House Oval Office on the 17th local time, Trump responded to reporters who asked why Kim had not answered his call for talks. "How do you know he didn't respond?" he asked in return.When reporters pressed again, asking whether Kim had responded, Trump said, "Yes, he has. " Asked how far North Korea-U. S.
dialogue had progressed, he replied, "Very positive. " Trump did not disclose when or how Kim had responded. It remains unclear whether any direct back-channel contact between North Korea and the United States is under way, or whether Kim's response was delivered before or after the previous day's order to scale back the joint exercise.
Trump's remarks drew attention because they came a day after he ordered a cut in the ROK-US Combined Military Exercise. On the 16th, Trump instructed Minister of National Defense Pete Hegseth to "substantially reduce" U. S.
participation in the joint drills with South Korea. He cited the cost of the exercises and South Korea's failure to join U. S.
action against Iran, while also stressing his good relationship with Kim Jong Un. He also argued that the drills could send the wrong signal to North Korea. As a result, the move is likely to be interpreted as more than a simple cost-cutting or military decision.
It may also be seen as a conciliatory message toward North Korea, aimed at reviving North Korea-U. S. dialogue.
In particular, if Kim's response came before the order to scale back the drills, it could suggest a link between Trump's decision and back-channel contact between the two sides. When asked whether reducing the joint exercise meant prioritizing North Korea's interests over those of an ally, Trump pushed back, saying, "I am making the situation much safer. " "Kim Jong Un has always treated me with great respect, and we have met many times," he said.
"I understand him, and he understands me. " Trump added, "Kim Jong Un didn't like Biden, didn't like Obama, and didn't like anybody, but I get along with him very well. What I am doing now is making the situation safer.
" President Donald Trump answers reporters' questions after meeting with lifeguard Ryder Williams in the Oval Office of The White House in Washington, D. C.
, on Aug. 17, 2026., on Aug. 17, 2026.
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