President Donald Trump is seeking a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but with Pyongyang yet to respond, he has highlighted former NBA star Dennis Rodman’s personal connection with Kim.
Trump Wants Another Meeting With Kim Jong Un
On Thursday, speaking at a Peterbilt truck factory in Denton, Texas, Trump pointed to Rodman’s relationship with the North Korean leader, Reuters reported.
“When I wanted to get to know Kim Jong Un when we’re having a problem — Kim Jong Un and I get along — but the one who knew him best was Dennis Rodman,” Trump said.
Trump has repeatedly said he wants to meet Kim again after the two leaders held three high-profile meetings during Trump’s first term, including an encounter at the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
Dennis Rodman Joins Trump’s Trip
Rodman accompanied Trump during his Texas and Oklahoma trip, though no official explanation was given for his presence.
The former Chicago Bulls star is an alumnus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where Trump later held a rally.
Rodman has developed an unusual relationship with Kim and has visited North Korea several times.
While traveling with Trump, Rodman told the publication he hoped to discuss “life” with the president. Asked whether he would travel to North Korea soon, Rodman replied, “If you buy the ticket.”
Rodman visited North Korea five times from 2013 to 2017, with the trips largely focused on basketball diplomacy. He said he and Kim mostly discussed basketball, avoiding nuclear tensions and human rights issues, Basketball Network reported in March.
Could Trump Meet Kim In China
Trump is scheduled to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in China next month, potentially creating an opportunity for another meeting with Kim, although no such plans have been announced.
Trump said Tuesday that Kim “likes Trump,” adding, “I’m about the only person in the entire world that he likes, and I like him.”
In August, Trump said he was unhappy that the U.S. had previously agreed to participate in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his “very good relationship” with Kim.
The president said it was too late to cancel the drills but directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to scale them back substantially.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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