Speaking to reporters, Trump pointed to his personal relationship with the DPRK leader, saying it was helping make the situation “much safer.” The two leaders held several meetings during Trump’s first term, but have not met again since he returned to office for a second term.
South Korean officials expressed hope that the personal relationship between Trump and Kim could help bring the two sides back to the negotiating table. In a statement Tuesday, South Korea’s presidential office said the joint exercises were not intended to signal “any intention to attack the DPRK or escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.”
The 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises began Monday. The DPRK has not publicly responded since the drills started, although Pyongyang had previously condemned the exercises.
