Trump and Kim Get Ready for Singapore Show‑down
White House Cuts a Date
Big news on the daily brief: President Donald Trump is set to face North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at 9 a.m. on June 12th, Singapore. It’s the first time the two will sit down together.
Behind the Curtain
Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters they’re “actively preparing” for the summit. She added that the White House’s “advance team” – a motley crew of military, security, tech and medical specialists – is already on the ground in Singapore, finalizing details and staying put until the meeting kicks off.
“The president is receiving daily briefings on North Korea from his national‑security team,” Sanders emphasized.
Experts Aren’t Buying It
Some analysts are raising eyebrows. They point out that Trump, while bragging about being the world’s top dealmaker, shows a lack of knowledge about North Korea, arms control and diplomacy. The 12‑billion‑month reunion is, after all, about getting Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear program.
What’s on the Table?
- North Korea allegedly has a tiny nuclear device that could be launched on a missile capable of reaching the U.S.
- The U.S. insists on full, verifiable denuclearization.
- Pyongyang’s willingness? Still a mystery. It could be using talks to soften Trump’s “maximum pressure” strategy.
Trump’s Take on the Process
Last week, the president said he’d ditch the “maximum pressure” label and was open to a long series of talks that might ease pressure on the regime. He explained that the summit isn’t a one‑shot deal but a “process.” “We’re building relationships, and that’s a very positive thing,” he added after welcoming high‑ranking official Kim Yong Chol to the White House.
He also granted that no new sanctions would arise during talks – though the White House was careful to indicate that existing sanctions will remain in place.
Looking Ahead
With just days to go, much remains uncertain. Will Pyongyang truly move toward disarmament, or will they simply push for more slack? Only time – and a good diplomatic game – will tell.
