Trump posts photo with North Korean leader Kim, says 'we get along great'; analysts see possible renewed summitry after midterms

Former President Donald Trump recently posted a photo from his 2019 meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, stating they 'get along GREAT.' This social media post has reignited discussions about potential diplomatic engagements between the U.S. and North Korea, especially as the midterm elections approach.

Trump's post on Truth Social included a remark about their relationship, despite the serious expression in the photo: “Despite the unfriendly look on this particular picture, there are many where we’re smiling, Kim Jong Un and I get along GREAT!” This statement comes amid a backdrop of increasing ties between North Korea and Russia, raising questions about Pyongyang's willingness to engage in talks.²

The White House has indicated that Trump remains open to dialogue with Kim “without any preconditions,” although it is unclear if North Korea will reciprocate. Analysts, including Victor Cha from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, suggest that Kim may pursue renewed summitry with Trump after the midterms, particularly if he adopts a “revisionist” approach to solidify North Korea's status as a nuclear power.³

Trump's history with Kim includes three in-person meetings, with the last occurring in June 2019 at Panmunjom, where he became the first sitting U.S. president to step onto North Korean soil. This recent photo post, along with a previous one from their first meeting in Singapore, hints at Trump's desire to rekindle his personal diplomacy with Kim.¹