Trump says Kim Jong-un called Biden ‘mentally retarded person,’ recalls past remarks

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had previously made harsh remarks about former US president Joe Biden while speaking during a White House press conference on Monday, April 6, as he addressed ongoing military operations linked to Iran.

Trump made the remarks while expressing frustration over what he described as limited support from US allies in the situation. He named several countries and alliances, saying they had not contributed to military efforts as expected.

Trump says Kim Jong-un called Joe Biden a ‘mentally retarded person’

During the briefing, Trump referenced past interactions with Kim Jong-un while discussing global leadership dynamics.

“He used to call Joe Biden a mentally retarded person, okay? Joe Biden… He said he's a mentally retarded person. He was so nasty to Joe Biden, it was terrible,” Trump said.

He added that he had maintained a positive relationship with Kim, stating that the North Korean leader had spoken highly of him in the past.

Trump criticizes NATO, South Korea, Japan and Australia over Iran operations

Trump also criticized US allies, including NATO, South Korea, Japan and Australia, for not assisting in military operations related to Iran.

“It’s not just NATO,” Trump said, adding, “You know who else didn’t help us? South Korea didn’t help us.”

He further stated, “We have 45,000 soldiers in South Korea to protect us from Kim Jong-un,” referring to US troop presence in the region. Official figures place the number at approximately 28,500 personnel.

Trump said he believes countries dependent on the Strait of Hormuz for energy supplies, including South Korea and Japan, should take a more active role in maintaining access to the strategic waterway.

Trump highlights Iran tensions and importance of Strait of Hormuz energy route

The president emphasized the importance of securing global energy routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, amid tensions involving Iran. He said he had previously requested additional support, including naval deployments, but did not receive responses from some allies.

Trump also described NATO as a “paper tiger” and claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin does not fear the alliance, highlighting his broader concerns about global security cooperation.

Japan, which relies heavily on energy imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, has taken a diplomatic approach. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi indicated that high-level talks with Iran could be considered at an appropriate time.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who previously served as Japan’s ambassador, has maintained diplomatic engagement with Japanese officials. Reports suggest communication channels between the two countries have remained active in recent weeks.

As of April 6, several Japan-affiliated vessels had passed through the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing tensions, though details surrounding the circumstances remain unclear.