Trump takes optimistic stance toward North Korea

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday called on North Korea to “come to the table” and reach a deal to end its pursuit of nuclear weapons, marking a shift in the president’s rhetoric toward the rogue nation. As part of his ongoing Asian tour, Trump spoke at a joint news conference in Seoul with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. The two leaders called on Pyongyang to end its nuclear weapons program and asked China and Russia to increase pressure on North Korea. “It makes sense for North Korea to come to the table and make a deal that is good for the people of North Korea and for the world,” Trump said. The president noted he’s seen “a lot of progress” in dealing with North Korea, but gave no details. Trump said the United States would use force if necessary to respond to a nuclear threat but added he “hoped to God” it wouldn’t get to that point. The president previously threatened to unleash “fire and fury” against Pyongyang over its nuclear arms. He began his day in South Korea with a visit to Camp Humphreys, a joint U.S.–South Korean military base. As he walked among the weapons of war, Trump noted, “It will always work out.” Trump continues his trip with a stop Thursday in Beijing, where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.