US President Donald Trump stated during a campaign rally in Ohio that he maintains a very good relationship with North Korean State Chairman Kim Jong Un, pointing to the existence of 112 nuclear missiles as a reason to stay on good terms, yonhapnewstv.co.kr reported on October 3. Trump defended keeping strong ties with leaders of massive nuclear-armed nations while addressing a crowd of supporters.
During the October 3 campaign event in Ohio, Trump explained his rationale for maintaining positive diplomatic channels with major global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping. When somebody has 112 nuclear missiles, it’s good to get along,
Trump said, directly after mentioning his rapport with Kim Jong Un, according to yonhapnewstv.co.kr. The remark immediately tied the specific weapons count to the North Korean leader, though the exact basis for the figure remained unspecified in his speech.
Discrepancies Emerge Over North Korea Nuclear Numbers
The figure of 112 nuclear missiles cited by Trump contrasts sharply with previous statements he made on the topic. In August, Trump stated that North Korea possessed 57 very powerful nuclear weapons, according to the sources. Intelligence and defense estimates also vary widely; former South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-back noted in August that domestic research organizations typically estimate the North Korean stockpile at roughly 80 to 120 warheads, as reported by the sources.
Contrasting Stances on North Korea and Iran
While Trump emphasized the necessity of engaging nuclear-armed adversaries like North Korea, he drew a sharp line regarding nations that have not yet achieved a nuclear capability. Iran will never have a nuclear missile,
Trump declared during the same Ohio rally, as detailed by the sources.
State Department Affirms Policy Amid Outreach
In Washington, State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott addressed the administration’s broader diplomatic posture during a press briefing at the Foreign Press Center on October 2, noting that Trump believes engaging in dialogue does not constitute a concession if it serves the national interest, according to the sources. Pigott reiterated that the United States remains entirely committed to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, confirming that Washington’s core policy objectives have not shifted despite ongoing presidential rhetoric.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trump’s Remarks
What specific figure did Trump give for North Korea’s nuclear weapons in August?
Trump stated in August that North Korea possessed 57 very powerful nuclear weapons, according to the sources, marking a significant numerical difference from the 112 missiles he mentioned during his October rally in Ohio.
How do institutional estimates compare to Trump’s recent figures?
Former South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-back stated in August, based on domestic research organization analyses, that North Korea’s total nuclear stockpile is commonly estimated to be between 80 and 120 warheads, as reported by the sources.
What did the US State Department say regarding dialogue with North Korea?
State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated on October 2 that President Trump is willing to talk with anyone if it serves the national interest, while emphasizing that the official US policy objective of the complete denuclearization of North Korea remains unchanged, according to the sources.
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