President Trump responded to the latest round of name-calling from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday, saying “I try so hard to be his friend” and would “never call him ‘short and fat.’ “
“Why would Kim Jong-un insult me by calling me ‘old,’ when I would NEVER call him ‘short and fat?’ Oh well, I try so hard to be his friend – and maybe someday that will happen!” Trump tweeted.
North Korean state media said this week that “no-one can predict when the lunatic old man of the White House, lost to sense, will start a nuclear war,” referring to Trump’s aggressive rhetoric toward Kim Jong Un.
Trump and Kim have engaged in name-calling in recent months as tensions between the two countries increase and North Korea continues expanding its nuclear program.
Trump has called Kim “Rocket Man” and Kim has called Trump a “mentally deranged U.S. dotard,” a “gangster fond of playing with fire,” and “a frightened dog.” {mosads}
Trump is abroad on a 12-day Asia trip, during which he has been meeting with regional leaders with a heavy emphasis on curbing North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
Trump signed an executive order in September slapping new travel and economic sanctions on North Korea, as the administration seeks to pressure Kim over the country’s nuclear program.
Trump has previously said he would “totally destroy” North Korea if the country moved against the U.S. or its allies.