# US-North Korea diplomatic relations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-north-korea-diplomatic-relations > Updated: 2026-09-30T00:10:31.000Z. Sources: 36. Developments: 3. The diplomatic relationship between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un has transitioned from extreme hostility to a unique form of personal diplomacy. Initially, the two leaders engaged in intense verbal conflicts, with Trump labeling Kim a ‘madman’ and Kim describing Trump as a ‘mentally deranged old man.’ This tension shifted toward direct engagement through personal correspondence and high-profile summits, including a four-hour meeting in Singapore in 2018. During these interactions, Kim reportedly addressed Trump as ‘Your Excellency’ in letters. Trump has since characterized the relationship as a friendship, claiming, ‘Kim Jong-un is my friend. He likes Trump.’ Speaking outside the White House, Trump reaffirmed this rapport, asserting he is ‘practically the only person in the world’ whom Kim likes. He suggested that Kim will be ‘fine’ as long as Trump remains in office. Regarding North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, Trump has maintained that the country developed a significant arsenal due to the failures of previous U.S. administrations. While Trump maintains that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons, he has indicated a more understanding attitude toward North Korea, noting that Kim Jong Un possesses ‘extensive, quite extensive nuclear capacities.’ Despite Trump expressing openness to resuming direct diplomatic meetings following the breakdown of negotiations after the 2019 Hanoi summit, North Korean leadership has not responded to specific offers for new dialogue. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of Kim Jong-un, previously described demands for North Korean denuclearization as ‘unrealistic,’ even while noting that her brother holds ‘good memories and feelings’ toward Trump. ## Claims - The US President maintains that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons. (corroborated by 20 sources) - Donald Trump claims to have a personal friendship with Kim Jong-un. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Trump attributed North Korea's nuclear arsenal to the actions of his predecessors. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Trump stated that Kim Jong-un will be fine as long as Trump remains in the White House. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Trump acknowledged that Kim Jong Un possesses extensive nuclear capabilities. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Trump expressed openness to resuming meetings with Kim Jong-un following the stalled 2019 Hanoi summit. (corroborated by 17 sources) - Pyongyang has not responded to specific offers for dialogue or a summit from the US President. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Kim Yo Jong rejected demands for North Korean denuclearization as unrealistic. (corroborated by 8 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-30: Donald Trump discusses North Korea's nuclear capabilities Donald Trump expressed understanding of North Korea's nuclear capabilities, citing his personal relationship with Kim Jong Un, while continuing to demand that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-discusses-north-koreas-nuclear-capabilities ### 2026-09-29: Donald Trump claims personal friendship with Kim Jong-un Donald Trump claims a unique friendship with Kim Jong-un, stating the North Korean leader will be “fine” under his presidency while blaming predecessors for the country's nuclear arsenal. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-claims-personal-friendship-with-kim-jong-un ### 2026-09-06: Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un's unique diplomatic relationship The relationship between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un evolved from nuclear threats to unprecedented personal diplomacy, including three summits and direct correspondence between the US and North Korean leaders. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-and-kim-jong-uns-unique-diplomatic-relationship --- Cite as: US-North Korea diplomatic relations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-north-korea-diplomatic-relations