The denuclearization of North Korea is something the United States has been striving for since Pyongyang withdrew from the Nonproliferation Treaty in the early 2000’s. At no point were we closer to achieving this goal than during the Trump Administration.
President Donald Trump was one of few world leaders who were able (and willing) to work with someone like North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. During his presidency, Trump exchanged more than 20 letters with Kim and met him face-to-face three times.
Their friendly correspondence – famously described by Trump as “love letters” – shows that Kim was more than wiling to cooperate with the Trump Administration.
“I am ready to work with your excellency with all my heart and devotion,” wrote Kim in April of 2018.
Trump and Kim met in person for the first time two months later in Singapore, with the latter agreeing to repatriate the remains of 55 American soldiers killed in the Korean War (1950-1953).
“Thank you for keeping your promise to start the repatriation process of our soldiers,” wrote Trump. “I look forward to seeing you soon.”
Meeting Trump a second time would be “reminiscent of a scene from a fantasy film,” wrote Kim in another letter. “[The] deep and special friendship between us will work as a magical force.”
The relationship between the two leaders continued to blossom, with Kim wishing Trump a happy birthday in June of 2019:
“I am writing this letter to you as we are nearing the first anniversary of our meeting in Singapore…as well as to congratulate you on your birthday, which is just days away. I take it as a great honor to be able to send such a letter to Your Excellency.”
Though disheartened by the joint exercises conducted between the US and South Korea later that year, Kim continued to treat Trump with a level of respect never before seen from a man many have dismissed as crazy.
“Like the brief time we had together a year ago in Singapore, every minute we shared…in Hanoi was also a moment of glory that remains a precious memory,” continued Kim in the birthday note. “Such a precious memory that I have in my unwavering respect for you will provide impetus for me to take my steps when we walk toward each other again someday in the future.”
Kim goes on to highlight the two leaders’ “unique style” of communication that “nobody has ever tried” and expresses a hope that together they can “write a new history.”
“Today’s reality is that without a new approach and the courage it takes, the prospects for resolution of the issue will only be bleak,” concludes the letter. “I believe that one day will come sooner or later when we sit down together to make great things happen, with the will to give another chance to our mutual trust.”
Author’s Note: Trump’s ability to foster a relationship with Kim is one of the many reasons we miss him as president. Someone like Joe Biden would never be able to accomplish this feat. Click the CNN link below to view a full transcript of two of the letters.
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