‘Tit for tat’: Why is Trump cosying up to North Korea’s Kim Jong Un again?

Key Points:

• US President Donald Trump praised North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for a “very positive” exchange and ordered the Pentagon to scale back military drills with South Korea, citing Seoul’s lack of support in the US fight against Iran.
• Trump’s move to reduce joint exercises, which prepare for potential conflict with North Korea, is seen as a strategic effort to pressure South Korea over economic and security contributions, reflecting his transactional approach to diplomacy.
• Despite past failed summits and North Korea’s continued missile development, Trump is reportedly pushing for a new meeting with Kim ahead of the November midterm elections to bolster his political standing.
• Analysts note that while Trump seeks to reengage North Korea, deep mistrust remains, and North Korea demands recognition of its nuclear status as a precondition for improved relations, a difficult concession for the US.
• The scaling back of military drills also reflects broader US strategic priorities amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and resource constraints, signaling a shift in Washington’s focus and alliance dynamics in East Asia.