Former US President Donald Trump has publicly referred to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a "friend" and asserted that the North Korean nuclear weapons stockpile is not a significant threat. The comments were reported by Al Jazeera and have drawn attention from policymakers and analysts across the region.
Trump's remarks came during a recent public appearance, where he emphasized personal rapport with Kim and suggested that diplomatic engagement could mitigate concerns over the nuclear program. He also characterized the size and capability of North Korea's arsenal as being less threatening than commonly portrayed.
The statements contrast sharply with the official stance of the United States government, which continues to describe North Korea's nuclear weapons as a serious security challenge. US officials have not responded directly to Trump's comments, but the Department of State has previously warned that the regime's expanding missile and nuclear capabilities remain a destabilising factor in East Asia.
South Korean authorities reiterated their position that North Korea's nuclear development poses a direct risk to regional peace and security. The South Korean foreign ministry, while not addressing Trump's specific language, underscored the need for continued vigilance and multilateral pressure to curb Pyongyang's weapons program.
Security experts noted that personal overtures between leaders do not substitute for formal diplomatic mechanisms. Analysts cited the importance of maintaining a consistent policy framework, warning that informal declarations of friendship could be misinterpreted by both domestic and international audiences.
North Korean state media has not issued an official response to Trump's remarks at the time of reporting. The regime typically frames foreign criticism as hostile, but it has also occasionally highlighted moments of perceived goodwill from foreign leaders.
The episode adds another layer to the complex dynamics surrounding the Korean Peninsula, where rhetoric, diplomatic outreach, and military preparedness intersect. Observers will monitor whether Trump's statements influence any shift in US or allied approaches toward North Korea's nuclear ambitions.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/30/trump-calls-kim-jong-un-a-friend-and-plays-down-n-koreas-nuclear-arsenal?traffic_source=rss.