Key facts
- The White House inquired with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) about its capabilities concerning a potential deal between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
- DPAA Director Kelly McKeague stated the agency is prepared for engagement with Pyongyang to recover the remains of U.S. troops from the Korean War.
- McKeague suggested that North Korea could provide the remains they hold and resume joint field missions.
- Trump has indicated a desire to meet Kim again, possibly during his next trip to Asia.
- The DPAA believes cooperation on returning troop remains can serve as a diplomatic tool.
The White House has inquired with the Pentagon's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) about its potential actions should President Donald Trump forge an agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. DPAA Director Kelly McKeague indicated that the agency is prepared to engage with Pyongyang for the recovery of U.S. service members' remains from the 1950-53 Korean War.
McKeague stated during an online forum that the DPAA has informed the White House and the Defense Department of its readiness. He suggested that North Korea could facilitate the process by handing over remains in its possession and resuming joint field recovery missions, which last took place in 2005. The agency estimates that the remains of approximately 5,300 U.S. troops are still in North Korea.
Trump has publicly expressed his intention to meet Kim again, fueling speculation that he might pursue renewed personal diplomacy. The DPAA director drew parallels to the lead-up to the 2018 Singapore summit, noting similar inquiries about the agency's capabilities. He emphasized that cooperation on troop remains can serve as a humanitarian effort and a valuable tool for engagement and communication with North Korea, even amidst geopolitical tensions.
Washington and Pyongyang conducted joint excavation efforts between 1996 and 2005. Since then, there have been only two instances of North Korea returning American remains: one in 2007, facilitated by former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, and another in 2018 following Trump's summit with Kim in Singapore. McKeague expressed optimism about potential engagement, citing Trump's willingness to communicate with the North Korean leader.