One of the biggest stories heading into the weekend has been the news that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would soon meet with Donald Trump to discuss the country's plans on nuclear weapons. After some critics in the media were skeptical, Donald Trump decided to lash out on social media.
In the first hours after hearing that North Korea’s leader wanted to meet with me to talk denuclearization and that missile launches will end, the press was startled & amazed.They couldn’t believe it. But by the following morning the news became FAKE.They said so what, who cares!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 10, 2018
Trump on Kim Jong-un
On Thursday night the shocking news broke about a meeting being planned between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un.
The news was made offical when South Korean National security adviser Chung Eui-yong confirmed the reporting while addressing the media outside of the White House. As expected, the administration used the news to highlight Trump's ability to make progress on denuclearizing North Korea, which has been an international goal of years.
North Korea has not conducted a Missile Test since November 28, 2017 and has promised not to do so through our meetings. I believe they will honor that commitment!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 10, 2018
Once the news made the rounds, Donald Trump gloated and gave himself credit for potentially taking major steps on the issue, but he wasn't happy with how some in the media have handled their reporting of the story.
In a tweet sent out on March 10, the former host of "The Apprentice" didn't hold back. "In the first hours after hearing that North Korea’s leader wanted to meet with me to talk denuclearization and that missile launches will end, the press was startled and amazed," Trump tweeted. "They couldn’t believe it. But by the following morning the news became FAKE," he added, before concluding, "They said so what, who cares!" Trump's feud with the media started during the early days of his campaign for president, and has only escalated over the year that he's been in office.
Trump's double down
In a series of tweets earlier on Saturday, Donald Trump cited his recent conversations with leaders from Japan and China about his upcoming meeting with North Korea. On his talk with Chinese President XI JINPING, Trump said "he appreciates that the U.S. is working to solve the problem diplomatically rather than going with the ominous alternative."
Spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan, who is very enthusiastic about talks with North Korea. Also discussing opening up Japan to much better trade with the U.S. Currently have a massive $100 Billion Trade Deficit. Not fair or sustainable. It will all work out!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 10, 2018
Chinese President XI JINPING and I spoke at length about the meeting with KIM JONG UN of North Korea. President XI told me he appreciates that the U.S. is working to solve the problem diplomatically rather than going with the ominous alternative. China continues to be helpful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 10, 2018
Donald Trump then went on to describe his conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who he clams is "very enthusiastic" about the Kim Jong-un meeting, as well as future trade deals with the United States.
"Currently have a massive $100 Billion Trade Deficit. Not fair or sustainable," Trump tweeted, before saying, "It will all work out!" Despite Trump's optimistic outlook, many around the world are skeptical about the upcoming meeting between the two world leaders and only time will tell how it all plays out.
