Key facts
- U.S. President Donald Trump said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has a "pretty large" nuclear arsenal.
- Trump stated Kim Jong-un will be "fine" as long as Trump is "around."
- Trump claimed Kim Jong-un respects and likes him.
- Trump made the remarks in response to a question about why North Korea can have nuclear weapons when he has said Iran cannot.
- The remarks were made at the White House on Sept. 29, 2026.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on September 29, 2026, that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un possesses a "pretty large" nuclear arsenal and will be "fine" as long as Trump remains in office. Trump asserted that Kim Jong-un respects and likes him, suggesting this relationship is why North Korea is permitted to have nuclear weapons, a stance contrasted with his position on Iran's nuclear program.
The remarks were made during a press availability at the White House following a meeting with artificial intelligence firm executives.