Kim Jong Un on Donald Trump

Kim Jong Un continues to express an appreciation for the personal relationship he previously shared with Donald Trump, specifically recalling "good personal memories" from their prior summits, suggesting that a dialogue with the United States could resume if the U.S. abandons its demands for denuclearization. He indicated that there is "no reason not to" resume talks if Washington drops its "delusional obsession with denuclearization." This personal openness contrasts sharply with his current policy stance regarding any future negotiations with the U.S., regardless of who is in office.

Currently, he explicitly rejects surrendering the North's nuclear arsenal, which he views as the guarantee of his regime's survival, stating there will be "no negotiations, now or ever," in exchange for sanctions relief. This position is further solidified by his increased weapons buildup and deepening alignment with Russia. While acknowledging the past diplomatic openings facilitated by the former president, he now dictates that any engagement must start from a position of recognizing the North as a nuclear power, effectively nullifying the denuclearization goal that defined the Trump-era summits.