Washington: President Lee Jae Myung recounted his initial summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, which began under tense circumstances but concluded with productive discussions. This meeting took place after Trump's controversial social media post suggested a "purge or revolution" in South Korea, which he further elaborated on by claiming there were raids on churches and a U.S. military base.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee addressed the sequence of events during a talk at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. He disclosed his aides' concerns that the meeting might mirror Trump's contentious encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier that year. However, Lee remained optimistic, attributing his confidence to insights from Trump's book, "The Art of the Deal," and the significance of the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
Despite the initial tension, the summit, which included an Oval Office meeting, an expanded session, and a working lunch, exceeded its scheduled time and concluded on a positive note. The discussions were described as "serious and cooperative," and the atmosphere shifted to a cordial mood. Both leaders engaged in light-hearted exchanges, with Lee humorously suggesting Trump construct a "Trump Tower" in North Korea and play golf there, while expressing hopes for Trump's role as a "peacemaker."
The summit also featured a gift exchange, where Lee presented Trump with personalized items, including a custom-made golf putter, a model of a historic turtle ship, and a "MAGA" cowboy hat. Trump reciprocated by inviting South Korean officials to select memorabilia from a "gift room," where he personally signed items, including MAGA caps and golf balls.
In a subsequent press availability, Trump lauded Lee as a commendable representative for South Korea. The presidential office highlighted the meeting as a chance for the two leaders to foster personal rapport, with spokesperson Kang Yu-jung describing the summit as conducted in a "warm and friendly atmosphere" that strengthened mutual affection and trust.