Trump reveals call with Kim Jong Un, says relationship remains ‘very good’

BEIJING, CHINA: President Donald Trump said on Friday, May 15, that he has recently communicated with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, describing their relationship as “very good” as he returned to Washington following a high-profile summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Trump made the remarks aboard Air Force One while taking questions from reporters on issues ranging from Taiwan and Iran to trade and diplomatic relations in Asia. 

Trump confirmed that he had spoken with Kim but declined to provide details about the conversations, including when they took place or how many times the two leaders had been in contact.

Trump also said North Korea was discussed during his meetings with Xi in China. The comments come as tensions surrounding North Korea’s nuclear program remain in focus following Pyongyang’s criticism of the US role in the Iran conflict earlier this year.

Trump confirms contact with Kim after Beijing

Trump emphasized his relationship with the North Korean leader while refusing to elaborate on the substance of their discussions. 

“You know, I have a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, pretty quiet,” Trump said aboard Air Force One. When asked directly whether he had communicated with Kim, Trump responded: “Yes.”

Pressed further on how many times the two leaders had spoken, Trump declined to provide specifics. “Doesn’t matter, I don’t tell you about that,” he said. 

Trump also praised Kim’s conduct toward the United States, saying, “He’s been respectful of our country. I want him to be respectful. He’s been respectful of our country.”

The president added that North Korea was among the issues discussed during his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, though he did not provide further details about the conversation with the Chinese leader.

Trump’s remarks mark the latest indication of possible renewed engagement between Washington and Pyongyang after diplomacy between the two countries largely stalled following his first term in office.

Trump avoids calling Xi a dictator

During the exchange with reporters, Trump also commented on his relationship with Xi following the two leaders’ summit in Beijing.

Asked whether he considered Xi to be a dictator, Trump avoided directly characterizing the Chinese president. “I don’t think about it,” Trump said.

“He’s the president of China. I don’t think about it. You deal with what you have. I respect him, he’s very smart, he loves his country.”

“Whether he’s a dictator, that’s for you to figure out,” he added. 

Trump’s comments contrasted with remarks made by former President Joe Biden in 2023, when Biden publicly referred to Xi as a “dictator” after meeting him in San Francisco.

The president also shared details from his visit to Zhongnanhai, the heavily guarded leadership compound of the Chinese Communist Party, where he toured gardens with Xi.

Trump said Xi had agreed to provide Chinese rose seeds for the White House Rose Garden after the president admired the flowers during the visit.

“These are the most beautiful roses anyone’s ever seen,” Trump said. “I asked the president ‘Could you get me some for the Rose Garden’ and he said yes.”