North Korea

Trump Tentatively Agrees to a Third “Summit”

Written by SK Ashby

Although Trump's first two meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un did not lead to substantive progress -- with the second meeting ending without the two of them even signing a piece of paper -- Trump has tentatively agreed to hold a third "summit."

South Korean President Moon Jae-in visited the White House today where he evidently persuaded Trump to at least say he's open to another meeting.

Trump, in Oval Office talks with Moon, left open the possibility of a third summit with Kim Jong Un but would not comment on whether he had communicated recently with the North Korean leader. The two men occasionally exchange letters. [...]

Moon said he does not view the Hanoi, Vietnam summit, held in February, as a failure, but part of a longer “process” with the North. Moon said he agrees with Trump on the “ultimate goal” of total denuclearization by North Korea.

“The important task that we face right now is to maintain the momentum of dialogue and also express the positive outlook regarding the third U.S.-North Korea summit to the international community, that this will be held in the near future,” Moon said.

Moon's own advisers say the February summit was a big, honkin' failure so I don't think he's fooling anyone with the happy talk, but I'm sure Trump appreciates his enthusiasm.

I can't see any reason to think the next meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un, if a meeting ever takes place, will be any more productive then their previous meetings.

On the other hand, when campaign season heats up, who knows what Trump will do? One bad poll and he might give Kim Jong-un everything he wants just for some positive press coverage. It's difficult to predict the actions of a man who has no real moral compass or principles, only emotional whims.

With Moon Jae-in and Trump both preoccupied with their poll numbers, and with Kim Jong-un having no polls to answer to, I can't see this ending well.