# US-North Korea diplomatic engagement efforts > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-north-korea-diplomatic-engagement-efforts > Updated: 2026-10-01T23:05:36.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2. Former NBA player Dennis Rodman has begun accompanying President Trump on campaign activities, appearing alongside him in Oklahoma and Texas. These appearances coincide with reports that the administration intends to refocus diplomatic efforts on North Korea following the midterm elections. During a visit to a Peterbilt Motors facility in Denton, Texas, President Trump praised Rodman for his past interactions with Kim Jong Un, describing him as a ‘special guy’ and the ‘best rebounder in the history of basketball.’ Trump noted that Rodman ‘knew him best’ due to his previous visits to the country to work with their basketball team. Rodman, who visited North Korea at least five times between 2013 and 2017, is being viewed as a potential ‘ambassador of goodwill’ as the administration considers re-engaging in diplomacy. The President has signaled a potential renewal of interest in meeting with Kim Jong Un, possibly during an upcoming trip to China for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. While some view Rodman’s involvement as a potential channel for easing tensions, others have criticized his visits as a means of legitimizing the North Korean regime. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-01: Dennis Rodman joins Donald Trump in Texas amid North Korea diplomacy signals Dennis Rodman joined President Trump in Texas, where Trump praised Rodman’s past connection to Kim Jong Un as a potential asset for renewed North Korea diplomacy. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dennis-rodman-joins-trump-on-texas-tour-amid-north-korea-diplomacy-talk ### 2026-09-29: Dennis Rodman to join Trump on campaign trip amid North Korea diplomacy plans Dennis Rodman is expected to join President Trump on a campaign trip to Oklahoma as the administration considers renewed diplomatic engagement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dennis-rodman-to-join-trump-on-campaign-trip-amid-north-korea-diplomacy-plans --- Cite as: US-North Korea diplomatic engagement efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-north-korea-diplomatic-engagement-efforts