In a significant remark made on January 20, US President Donald Trump called North Korea a "nuclear power" and expressed confidence that leader Kim Jong-un would be “happy” to see his return to the White House. The statement, made during Trump’s first public appearance after his inauguration, reignites speculation about a possible revival of direct diplomacy with the reclusive regime, which Trump had previously boasted about during his first term, as reported by South Korean news agency Yonhap.

During a signing ceremony in the Oval Office, Trump reflected on his past relationship with Kim, saying, “I was very friendly with him. He liked me. I liked him. We got along very well.” He acknowledged the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear capabilities but emphasised that his rapport with Kim had led to significant breakthroughs, including three in-person summits between the two leaders.

Trump’s mention of North Korea as a "nuclear power" stands in contrast to the language typically used by US officials, who have avoided formally recognising Pyongyang’s nuclear programme in favour of pursuing nonproliferation goals.

The term “nuclear power” differs from the designation of nuclear-weapon states recognised under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), such as the US, China, and Russia. Despite this, the label signifies a notable shift in rhetoric, as the US has generally refrained from acknowledging North Korea’s nuclear status directly.

Trump's comments come amid growing concerns over the potential for renewed nuclear diplomacy. However, the future of such talks remains uncertain, especially as North Korea increasingly looks to Russia for support in the form of food, fuel, and security assurances.

South Korea, which has consistently pushed for the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, stated that it would continue to advocate for North Korea’s disarmament, even as Trump’s words complicate the diplomatic landscape. While Trump's remarks fuel the possibility of new dialogue with Kim, the trajectory of future negotiations is clouded by the regime’s increasing reliance on its alliance with Russia.