Former President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he plans to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before the year ends. This would mark the third face-to-face meeting between the two men across Trump's two terms in office. Fox News and the Washington Examiner reported the announcement came during an impromptu press session on the White House grounds.
President Trump said he “didn’t like the fact” the U.S. military was staging “massive military exercises, really against North Korea,” pointing to his “good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
"I felt that to do a massive war exercise...I thought that was very… pic.twitter.com/L8Jb2F6EHR
— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 19, 2026
However, reports suggest the meeting could take place in November when Trump is in China for the APEC summit.
The former president emphasized his personal connection with the North Korean dictator as a key factor.
During the same briefing, Trump revealed a specific number regarding North Korea's nuclear arsenal.
PRESIDENT TRUMP REVEALS THAT NORTH KOREA’S LEADER KIM JONG UN HAS 57 NUCLEAR WEAPONS
REPORTER: “Are you exchanging written letters with Kim Jong Un?”
DONALD TRUMP: “I can't tell you that. But I get along with him. And you know what? The fact that I get along with him, that's a… https://t.co/wtNDufCqVW pic.twitter.com/2pQWaOrIce
— Zach Jones - Secretary of Psyops (@ZachJones1994) August 20, 2026
Trump argued that the situation would have been different under his direct control.
North Korea has not confirmed the meeting plans yet. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of the North Korean leader, issued a statement saying the US "hostile policies" have not changed. Despite this, Trump remains confident in his ability to handle the situation.
The White House has not issued an official schedule for the trip. The New York Post noted that past intelligence assessments place the warhead count between 50 and 60. Trump's specific claim of 57 weapons stands as a new data point in the ongoing diplomatic talks.
