GOP hopefuls slam Trump for comments praising Kim Jong Un

Several Republican presidential hopefuls slammed former President Trump for his comments praising North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday in which he congratulated him for his country receiving a seat on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) executive board.

Former Vice President Mike Pence, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis all criticized the former president, who offered his congratulations to Kim in a Truth Social post on Friday.

“No one should be praising the dictator in North Korea or praising the leader of Russia who has launched an unprovoked war of aggression in Ukraine,” Pence told Fox News while in Iowa on Saturday. “This is a time when we ought to make it clear to the world that we stand for freedom and we stand with those who stand for freedom.”

The former Indiana governor also attacked the WHO, claiming it “let America and the world down” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I mean, they literally were complicitous in covering up what was happening in China, and we held them to account during our administration.”

Pence is expected to launch his campaign for the 2024 Republican nomination next week, after months of hinting at a potential White House run.

Haley denounced North Korea’s ascension ascension to the WHO board Friday, calling it a “total farce.” 

“You don’t congratulate a thug,” she added Saturday, when asked about Trump’s comment. “I mean, let’s keep in mind, this thug [Kim] has threatened America, has threatened our allies, over and over again.” 

“This is not something to play with,” Haley continued. “I mean, he’s a terrible individual. He’s terrible to his people, he’s terrible to our allies in the world, and I don’t think he deserves congratulations.”

DeSantis, who officially joined the Republican field late last month during a glitch-ridden Twitter Spaces event, said he was “surprised” to see Trump’s congratulations to Kim, whom he described as a “murderous dictator.”

All three were in Des Moines on Saturday for Sen. Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) annual Roast and Ride fundraiser.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, another GOP hopeful who attended the event, echoed the sentiments of his challengers in a post on Twitter.

“Kim Jong-Un, the tyrant dictator in North Korea should not be praised by Donald Trump for a leadership role in the World Health Organization,” Hutchinson wrote. “We sanction leaders who oppress their people. We do not elevate them on the world stage.”

Trump has previously touted his relationship with Kim, telling Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward that the two had “good chemistry.” He also exchanged what he called “love letters” with the North Korean leader.