In present political discourse, the possibility of a fresh “bromance” between current US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has received much attention. Both praise and criticism have been leveled at their early relationship, which was characterized by historic summits and private meetings. Addressing North Korea’s nuclear program and creating a disarmament framework were the goals of the conference. The resulting agreement, however, was criticized for lacking specific promises and for being too ambiguous.

The May 2019 Hanoi Summit quickly concluded without an agreement, underscoring the difficulties in negotiations between the United States and North Korea. Trump and Kim continued to have a personal relationship despite these setbacks, exchanging letters that Trump called “beautiful.” Despite being unique, this personal diplomacy produced few observable outcomes in terms of disarmament or better bilateral ties.

Military actions of North Korea

The geopolitical situation has changed as of early 2025, with several tests that have sparked worries around the world. North Korea has continued to develop its nuclear missile capabilities. The country has reportedly sent troops to support Russian activities in Ukraine, further solidifying its relations with Russia. North Korea has gained military and economic assistance from this relationship, strengthening its standing internationally.

Discussions concerning Trump’s strategy toward North Korea have resurfaced in the US since his return to the presidency. Following their unsuccessful 2019 summit in Hanoi, analysts speculate that although North Korea may not be at the top of Trump’s agenda, he may eventually try to rekindle his unresolved business with Kim. 

It wouldn’t be shocking if Trump and Kim resumed their bromance. A precedent for direct communication has been established by their prior encounters, and both leaders have shown a readiness to participate in personal diplomacy. Summits with Trump have been used by Kim Jong-un to support his power and gain political concessions, like the halting of military drills between the United States and South Korea. Talking to Trump may provide Kim with more chances to defend his government and look for ways to get out of international sanctions.

Trump’s approach to North Korea and beyond

The Russia-Ukraine war and Middle Eastern problems are on Trump’s current foreign policy agenda. Reestablishing contact with Kim could be a calculated step to offset China’s influence in the area, even though North Korea may not be a top priority right now. Any new interaction between the United States and North Korea will be closely watched by both allies and enemies. Japan and South Korea, in particular, may be wary of unilateral US operations because they have a stake in the Korean Peninsula’s stability. North Korea has strengthened its connection with Russia and increased its missile capability since its most recent summit. Kim might expect more substantial adjustments from the US in any future negotiations as a result of his stronger attitude.

Trump’s stance on North Korea has caused controversy in American politics. The wider political environment and domestic criticisms will need to be managed by any resumed engagement. Although conversation can be facilitated by human interaction, detractors contend that meaningful policy measures need to be implemented in addition to it. To be successful, a revived bromance would need to address the issues raised by the previous Trump-Kim summits, which were lambasted for producing no tangible results.

Why was this bromance necessary for Trump?

Trump opted for direct diplomacy after a year of overstated language and threats of a “bloody nose” strike to sway Pyongyang into negotiations. This was due in part to Trump’s other options, which included more economic sanctions or military action. Moon Jae-in, South Korea’s president, believed direct communication with Kim could secure a historic nuclear deal, despite the disastrous and ineffectual situation at the time. Trump and Kim met three times, but in the long run, face-to-face diplomacy did not yield any results. Trump successfully persuaded North Korea to halt its missile tests for a year, a significant achievement despite previous failed summits. 

Ultimately, despite their chemistry, Trump and Kim could not agree. Trump, under pressure from his hawkish advisors, called for North Korea to completely denuclearize, while Kim was only prepared to demobilize his primary plutonium research site at Yongbyon. Diplomacy between the United States and North Korea has since died. The benefits of Kim’s alliance with Russia are equally obvious to him. Kim needs money and military technology, while Putin needs soldiers and weapons. Furthermore, the sanctions that are now in place are being weakly enforced, and further measures are unlikely for the foreseeable future due to Russia’s veto at the UN Security Council. 

Trump will have a difficult time getting the North Koreans back to the negotiating table as long as the Russia-North Korea relationship is maintained at its current pace.