President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his upcoming tour of Asia, which begins on October 24, 2025. When asked by reporters about a potential meeting, Trump stated, “100 percent” he would agree to it if Kim reached out to him.
During his previous term, Trump made history by becoming the first sitting U.S. president to step into North Korea. He met with Kim on three occasions, a series of encounters that underscored a significant diplomatic shift between the two nations. While aboard Air Force One, Trump remarked on his previous positive interactions with Kim, emphasizing their rapport. “I got along very well with Kim Jong Un,” he noted.
Trump recalled a previous visit to South Korea when he indicated to Kim that he was open to a meeting. He humorously referenced North Korea’s limited telecommunications capabilities, stating, “They don’t have a lot of telephone service. They have a lot of nuclear weapons but not a lot of telephone service.”
The context of these discussions is significant, as North Korea has continued to develop its nuclear capabilities. In August 2024, North Korea reportedly deployed 250 nuclear-capable ballistic missile launchers near its border with South Korea, an event attended by Kim. During his successful presidential campaign, Trump reflected on his 2019 visit to North Korea, stating, “I felt very safe.” He characterized his relationship with Kim as having evolved from hostility to mutual respect.
As part of his week-long trip, Trump will visit Malaysia, Japan, and conclude with a summit in South Korea focused on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). His itinerary includes a highly anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the final day of the trip. Trump is also set to engage with newly-elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, marking her as Japan’s first female head of government.
The White House and the State Department did not respond immediately to requests for further comment regarding Trump’s potential meeting with Kim. As Trump embarks on this significant diplomatic journey, the international community remains watchful for any developments that could influence the dynamics in the region.
