North Korea Responds to Trump’s Potential Return, Issues Warning
- July 29, 2025
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Kim Yo Jong’s Cautionary Message
Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has issued a stern warning to the United States regarding any attempts to restart denuclearization talks. In a statement disseminated by North Korean state media, she emphasized that while the relationship between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un remains “not bad,” any pressure from the U.S. to denuclearize would be considered “nothing but a mockery.” This message underscores North Korea’s firm stance on maintaining its nuclear arsenal, which has reportedly grown since the last summit between Trump and Kim.
Denuclearization Talks Off the Table
Kim Yo Jong made it clear that any future summits between Trump and Kim would not include discussions on denuclearization. She did not completely dismiss the possibility of bilateral talks but indicated that such discussions would need to explore alternative avenues. This position contrasts with her outright rejection of talks with South Korea, highlighting the complex dynamics in the region.
Historical Context of Trump-Kim Summits
During Trump’s first term, he held three unprecedented summits with Kim Jong Un: in Singapore in 2018, Hanoi in 2019, and at the Korean Demilitarized Zone in 2019. These meetings marked significant diplomatic engagements, with Trump becoming the first sitting U.S. president to step into North Korean territory. Despite these historic encounters, no substantial progress was made toward denuclearization, and U.S. sanctions on North Korea remain intact.
U.S. Response and Future Prospects
The White House has indicated that Trump remains open to engaging with Kim Jong Un to achieve a fully denuclearized North Korea. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump aims to make “progress” on this front during his current term. In a recent statement commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the end of the Korean War, Trump reaffirmed his pride in crossing into North Korea and highlighted the enduring alliance between American and South Korean forces.
