Donald Trump warned that diplomatic efforts could fail and “major, major conflict” with North Korea is possible.
“There is a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea,” the president said in an interview with Reuters Thursday. “Absolutely. We’d love to solve things diplomatically but it’s very difficult.”
(Photo: Olivier Douliery – Pool/Getty Images)
When he was asked if he believes Kim Jong-un is “rational,” Trump said he hopes so.
“He’s 27,” he said. “His father dies, took over a regime. So say what you want but that is not easy, especially at that age. I’m not giving him credit or not giving him credit, I’m just saying that’s a very hard thing to do. As to whether or not he’s rational, I have no opinion on it. I hope he’s rational.”
Trump’s remarks come after a senior administration official told reporters that military preparations are underway in the chance that they become necessary regarding North Korea.
“We are looking at a broad range of options,” the official said. “What the president has done is make a decision for us to pursue a certain course, but that course has a number of options depending on how the situation develops.” (RELATED: Senior White House Official Says Military Preparations Are Underway Regarding North Korea)
In that same interview, Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping for his cooperation with the U.S. regarding North Korea.
“I believe he is trying very hard,” he said. “He certainly doesn’t want to see turmoil and death. He doesn’t want to see it. He is a good man. He is a very good man, and I got to know him very well.”
Jinping spent more than 24 hours with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach earlier this month.