The White House has denied and corrected a quote attributed to President Donald Trump that suggested he had good contacts with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.
“I probably have a very good relationship with Kim Jong- Un,” Trump was quoted as telling The Wall Street Journal in an interview on Thursday, refusing to confirm whether the two had spoken.
“I have relationships with people. I think you people are surprised.”
But press secretary Sarah Sanders insisted -- in a Twitter meme -- that Trump was misquoted.
“President Trump said, I’D probably have a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un of North Korea. I’D -- I’D -- I’D. NOT I!” the message read, with “I’D” in red ink, under a red banner reading “FAKE NEWS.”
Mockingly mimicking the newspaper’s front page, it then reads “THE WALL STREET JOURNAL -- FAKE NEWS IS AT IT AGAIN! -- FALSELY QUOTING PRESIDENT TRUMP.”
Washington and Pyongyang are in a standoff over North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs, which could be used to target the United States and its allies.
{{/usCountry}}Washington and Pyongyang are in a standoff over North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs, which could be used to target the United States and its allies.
{{/usCountry}}Trump has repeatedly insulted the North Korean leader, describing him as mad and a “rocket man”.
Asked if he had spoken to Kim, Trump said “I don’t want to comment on it. I’m not saying I have or haven’t. I just don’t want to comment.”
Trump suggested his variable position on individuals was part of a broader strategy.
But it was not clear how his remarks fit with his self- described policy of “maximum pressure” on Pyongyang.
Next week, the United States and Canada are to host a meeting on the nuclear standoff with North Korea in Vancouver, bringing together friendly powers from around the world.