Blumenthal Statement on President Trump's Agreement to Meet with North Korean Leader

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after President Trump announced that he plans to meet with Kim Jong Un:

“Diplomacy is always a positive step, and it is certainly a welcome approach compared to threats of fire and fury or bombastic bullying. But these high-risk talks between two unpredictable and volatile negotiators should be met with some skepticism. President Trump has given Kim Jong Un a momentous boost by agreeing to meet and seemingly validating his totalitarian regime. The White House needs to maximize the chances of success during these talks and reduce risk by preparing effectively and setting a clear agenda. We must insist on independent inspection and continue tough economic sanctions to prevent North Korea’s past practice of using negotiations to conceal continued development of its nuclear program. We should engage with South Korea and consult regional powers like China.”

“President Trump’s acceptance of North Korea’s invitation is an especially high-risk proposition without a plan or the people in place to advise him on ending this conflict. Alarmingly, the United States enters into this arrangement with a serious dearth of regional experts and experienced negotiators: a hollowed out State Department, no US envoy for North Korea negotiations, and no ambassador to South Korea. President Trump must put together a diplomatic team that can really lay the groundwork for these talks through serious planning and preparation.”

“Given the critical national security stakes and consequences this cannot be another Presidential reality show.”