Trump Fires Back at Media Over North Korea Missile Base Rumors
On November 13, President Donald Trump stormed onto Twitter to slap the press for claiming that North Korea hasn’t disclosed more than a dozen secret missile launch pads. “We’re fully aware of the sites in question,” he wrote, “nothing new—everything’s under normal conditions.” He added, “If things go sideways, you’ll hear it straight from me.”
What’s the Real Story?
North Korea, known for its missile and nuclear antics, temporarily halted weapon tests earlier this year. However, U.S. and South Korean negotiators still haven’t managed to pin down any concrete numbers from Pyongyang regarding the size or scope of its arsenal—or get a solid promise to shut them down.
The New York Times brought to light a study from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) claiming that 16 hidden bases had slipped under the radar during U.S. talks. The CSIS report noted that some sites had “maintenance and minor infrastructure upgrades” despite the diplomatic lull.
Washington’s Crusade
The U.S. remains determined to strip North Korea of its nuclear weapons. Yet the Pyong‑yang state has not pulled any punches about its missile bases, and analysts warn that transparent disclosure is vital for any future deal.
South Korea’s Perspective
According to a spokesperson from the Blue House, Seoul’s military satellites have been keeping close tabs on these sites. “Pyongyang has never promised to reveal the existence of missile bases or dismantle them,” the official added.
In a nutshell, the U.S. and South Korea all want the same thing—peaceful skies—while North Korea keeps its secrets wrapped tight. Trump’s tweet is the latest reminder that, at least for now, the headlines aren’t the final word.
