U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 31 that he would “probably do something at some point” regarding a potential meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, signaling that communication between the two sides is ongoing.
Asked by reporters at the White House whether he planned to reach out to Kim, Trump responded, “I do,” adding, “There is communication—I think it’s very important.” He did not elaborate but emphasized the need for dialogue, calling Kim a “very smart guy.”
“I have a very good relationship with Kim Jong-un—you people hate to hear that, but it’s very important,” Trump said. “We have a great relationship … I’ve got to know him very well.”
His comments marked the first time since taking office in January that he has publicly acknowledged ongoing contact with Pyongyang. While he had previously kept responses brief, on this day, he spoke at length, referencing past meetings.
Diplomatic sources suggest that if talks are taking place, the New York channel—North Korea’s diplomatic mission to the United Nations—would likely be the main point of contact. The mission has historically played a key role in Washington-Pyongyang negotiations.
Another possibility is the Swiss channel. Last year, North Korea appointed Jo Chol-su, a close aide to Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, as ambassador to Switzerland. Jo, who officially took office in January, was a key figure in U.S.-North Korea talks in 2019, assisting Choe during the Hanoi summit. He has since handled Pyongyang’s engagement with Western nations and international organizations.
Former South Korean nuclear envoy Lee Yong-jun told The Chosun Ilbo on April 1 that Washington likely sought initial contact through the New York channel, though Pyongyang may not have responded.
Trump’s repeated references to his relationship with Kim suggest he is leaving the door open for future talks. During his first term, he became the first sitting U.S. president to meet a North Korean leader, holding three summits with Kim in 2018 and 2019. However, negotiations collapsed over disagreements on sanctions relief and denuclearization.
Trump was briefly considered for a Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic efforts, despite the talks failing to produce a breakthrough. Some analysts speculate that in his second term, he may pursue a smaller deal—such as easing sanctions in exchange for partial denuclearization at sites like Yongbyon—while also positioning himself as a global mediator in conflicts such as the Ukraine war.
Still, the prospects for renewed talks remain uncertain, as North Korea has rejected negotiations tied to denuclearization, and Washington has yet to signal any shift in its policy.
