The only predicable thing in the Trump universe is to expect the unpredictable, and then hold your breath. Another instance of that uncertainty arrived recently with Trump apparently changing his mind about a few Chinese companies when it comes to tariffs on steel and aluminum.
Moreover, the political apple cart might be in for an additional flip if North Korea decides to cancel the highly anticipated meeting with Trump in Singapore June 12.
One of the things that has clouded Trump’s meeting with President Kim is the planned joint military drills between the U.S. and South Korea. These drills have provoked North Korea to suspend the planned meeting.
“We are aware of the South Korean media report,” said White House press secretary Sarah Sanders. “The United States will look at what North Korea has said independently, and continue to coordinate closely with our allies.”
The White House was apparently unaware of this possible impediment to the talks, and Heather Nauert, a State Department spokesperson, defended the joint exercises. “We have not heard anything from that government or the government of South Korea to indicate that we would not continue conducting these exercises or that we would not continue planning for our meeting between President Trump and Kim Jong Un next month,” Nauert said in a statement.
All along Trump has made it clear that if the meeting failed to live up to his expectations he would walk away. Last month, he said, “If the meeting when I’m there isn’t fruitful, I will respectfully leave the meeting.”
Now the proposed meeting hangs in the balance, one that at one time seemed improbable given the differences between the two leaders, including rounds of personal insults.
Key to the session is the issue of denuclearization by the North Korean government. This decision to meet with Kim comes as the world’s communities recover from Trump’s abandonment of the Iran accords.
The session with Kim appeared to brighten with the release of three U.S. prisoners from North Korea, and that only increased rumors about Trump getting a Nobel Peace Prize, which he said was for others to discuss.
Having kept his promise to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, Trump has intensified his global outreach that will take another eventful turn if the June 12 meeting becomes a reality.