Trump on Past Rhetoric With North Korea: I Felt ‘Foolish’ at Times, But It Was Necessary
President Donald Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity that his past rhetoric toward North Korea – exemplified by language like "fire and fury" – made him feel "foolish," but he said it was necessary for progress.
In an excerpt of an interview with Hannity that will air in full Tuesday night, Trump reflected on past comments he made about North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.
"Well, I think without the rhetoric, we wouldn't have been here. I really believe that," Trump said.
"You know, we did sanctions and all of the things that you would do, but I think without the rhetoric, you know, other administrations, I don't want to get specific on that, but they had a policy of silence."
"If [North Korea] said something very bad, very threatening, and horrible, just don't answer," Trump said, describing the approach of past administrations.
"That's not the answer. That's not what you have to do."
He gave Kim the high profile summit he has wanted for many years and got in return the same promises NK has made and reneged on twice before.
He gave away training exercises crucial to readiness.
And he seized the opportunity to reiterate his desire to get US troops entirely out of SK, quite apart from anything resembling genuine concessions from NK.
Does he even know his claims are lies, or does he begin and end with lying to himself?
Anne Applebaum in WAPO.
And Jennifer Rubin.
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