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Donald Trump Describes North Korean Leader As ‘A Pretty Smart Cookie’

Donald Trump Describes North Korean Leader As ‘A Pretty Smart Cookie’

Trump still isn't ruling out military action

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

In a wide-ranging interview with CBS to mark his 100 days as the US President, Donald Trump has reiterated his stance on North Korea.

As he has said in previous interviews, President Trump reiterates that he doesn't want to keep the world updated on his every move. It's his way of remaining coy so the opposition can't plan its next move.

When asked if he would rule out military action, Mr Trump responded: "I don't know. I mean, we'll see."

While he did say he had several options open, the President did give an explanation to the possible mindset of the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un.

He told the TV network: "People are saying, 'Is he sane?' I have no idea. He's 27 years old, his father dies, took over a regime, so say what you want but that's not easy, especially at that age.

kim
kim

Credit: PA

"So obviously, he's a pretty smart cookie.

"But we have a situation that we just cannot let - we cannot let what's been going on for a long period of years continue."

Kim Jong-un ordered a ballistic missile test on Saturday, but it failed, exploding within North Korean territory just minutes after take off.

President Trump tweeted this shortly after the test failed:

America has already sent a barrage of military might to the region, including the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier and the USS Michigan, a nuclear submarine.

Following the failed missile test, the South Korean army ran a series of drills with their American counterparts. Earlier this week, troops stationed on the USS Carl Vinson carried out similar drills with the Japanese army.

photo
photo

Credit: PA

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson addressed a meeting at the UN saying: "All options for responding to future provocations must remain on the table.

"Diplomatic and financial leverage or power will be backed up by willingness to counteract North Korean aggression with military action, if necessary."

But it appears these missile tests will continue to be carried out by the hermit kingdom. North Korean official, Sok Chol Won, told CNN: "As long as America continues its hostile acts of aggression, we will never stop nuclear and missile tests."

China has increased its position against Kim Jong-Un this week by threatening economic sanctions if he continues to test his military's capabilities.

This would be a move that could cripple North Korea, given that China is the country's biggest trading partner and main source of food and energy.

Source: CBS, CNN, and US Secretary of State

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Donald Trump, North Korea