President Trump's Departure and Nuclear Remarks
United States President Donald Trump departed on Friday, October 25, 2025, for a multi-nation tour of Asia, making a significant statement regarding North Korea's nuclear capabilities. Aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters that North Korea is 'sort of a nuclear power.' He further elaborated, 'When you say they have to be recognized as a nuclear power, well, they got a lot of nuclear weapons, I'll say that.' This acknowledgment comes as the former president embarks on a trip that includes stops in Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea, with a planned meeting with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Anticipation of a Meeting with Kim Jong Un
Speculation is high that the Asia trip could include a meeting between Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump expressed his openness to such an encounter, stating, 'I would be open to it 100 percent.' He also highlighted his past relationship with Kim, remarking, 'I had a great relationship with him.' While a senior U.S. official indicated that a meeting was 'not on the schedule for this trip,' South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young suggested there was a 'considerable' chance of it occurring. North Korea has previously signaled that a meeting could be possible if the United States accepts its nuclear status.
North Korea's Nuclear Development Context
The discussion surrounding North Korea's nuclear status is set against a backdrop of its continued weapons development. North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on September 3, 2017, claiming it was a thermonuclear weapon. Following this, in late 2017, Kim Jong Un declared the 'completion' of the state nuclear forces. U.S. intelligence assessed in 2017 that North Korea possessed missile-mateable nuclear warheads. More recently, in September 2022, North Korea passed a law updating its nuclear doctrine, outlining various scenarios under which it would consider using nuclear weapons.
Diplomatic History and Future Prospects
The potential for a meeting between Trump and Kim Jong Un revives memories of their previous high-profile summits. The two leaders met three times during Trump's first term, including a historic first-ever meeting between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader in Singapore in June 2018, and an impromptu meeting at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in 2019. These past engagements aimed at denuclearization, though a comprehensive agreement never fully materialized. The current trip and Trump's remarks underscore the persistent complexities of denuclearization efforts on the Korean Peninsula.
5 Comments
Africa
Unacceptable. We cannot reward bad behavior by acknowledging their nuclear status.
Bermudez
While it's realistic to acknowledge North Korea's nuclear capabilities, formally stating it could embolden them and complicate future denuclearization talks. It's a high-stakes gamble.
Habibi
Trump's directness can be refreshing, but this statement risks granting legitimacy to a regime that has violated international norms. We need a clear strategy, not just blunt observations.
ZmeeLove
Straight talk from a leader. This is how you handle tough situations.
Muchacho
It's hard to argue with the fact that North Korea possesses nuclear weapons. Nevertheless, publicly declaring them a "sort of" nuclear power might be seen as a de facto acceptance, which could undermine years of diplomatic pressure.