Art of the deal: Why Trump could struggle to bring North Korea back to talks



Interviews Art of the deal: Why Trump could struggle to bring North Korea back to talks In interview, ex-US intel officer Sydney Seiler assesses prospects and limits of the president’s unconventional style Chad O'Carroll May 21, 2025 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON President Donald Trump holds a Cabinet meeting in April. \| Image: Official White House Photo by Molly Roberts As Donald Trump settles back into the Oval Office, his return has reignited questions about whether the president’s unconventional style can pave the way for a diplomatic breakthrough with Pyongyang. Trump recently raised eyebrows by twice referring to North Korea as a "nuclear power" — a notable rhetorical olive branch from a president who once derided leader Kim Jong Un as "Little Rocket Man." As Donald Trump settles back into the Oval Office, his return has reignited questions about whether the president’s unconventional style can pave the way for a diplomatic breakthrough with Pyongyang. Trump recently raised eyebrows by twice referring to North Korea as a "nuclear power" — a notable rhetorical olive branch from a president who once derided leader Kim Jong Un as "Little Rocket Man." Try unlimited access Only $1 for four weeks Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

Interviews

Art of the deal: Why Trump could struggle to bring North Korea back to talks

In interview, ex-US intel officer Sydney Seiler assesses prospects and limits of the president’s unconventional style

Chad O'Carroll May 21, 2025

Art of the deal: Why Trump could struggle to bring North Korea back to talks

President Donald Trump holds a Cabinet meeting in April. | Image: Official White House Photo by Molly Roberts

As Donald Trump settles back into the Oval Office, his return has reignited questions about whether the president’s unconventional style can pave the way for a diplomatic breakthrough with Pyongyang.

Trump recently raised eyebrows by twice referring to North Korea as a "nuclear power" — a notable rhetorical olive branch from a president who once derided leader Kim Jong Un as "Little Rocket Man."

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Art of the deal: Why Trump could struggle to bring North Korea back to talks

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