President Donald Trump said the U.S. is walking away from a planned June 12 summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, in a public letter addressed to the regime and released by the White House.
“Sadly based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it is inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting,” said Trump.
Trump was likely referring to scornful rhetoric from North Korea directed at comments made by U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence and National Security Adviser John Bolton in recent interviews.
Trump said in the letter that he still looked forward to meeting Kim one day.
“The world, and North Korea in particular, has lost a great opportunity for lasting peace and great prosperity and wealth,” the president said.
Trump’s Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently met with Kim. But doubts began to emerge that the summit between Trump and Kim would come off as early as last week, when North Korea called off planned talks with South Korea, which has been mediating between the two countries.
More to come