On Monday, major American media outlets offered diverse perspectives on the U.S.-South Korea summit held at the White House.
The New York Times (NYT) published an article titled, Trump Repeatedly Praises North Korean Dictator During Meeting with South Korean President
The NYT reported that as the decades-long U.S.-South Korea alliance showed signs of strain, Trump lauded North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong Un and emphasized his positive relationship with him.
The article noted that Trump seemed to insert himself into one of South Korea’s most sensitive political issues, repeatedly mentioning his good rapport with Chairman Kim and describing North Korea as a country with tremendous potential.
It also mentioned that Trump even proposed facilitating a meeting between Chairman Kim and President Lee Jae-myung.
The NYT pointed out that President Lee, seated right beside Trump, remained notably silent without offering any rebuttal.
On the same day, Bloomberg headlined their coverage with, Trump Maintains U.S.-Korea Tariff Talks Will Continue Despite Lee’s Pressure
Bloomberg led with the statement that President Trump refused to alter the terms of the U.S.-Korea tariff agreement, despite President Lee’s lobbying efforts during their first summit.
The article continued, noting that while both leaders expressed optimism about close cooperation on North Korea, collective security, and shipbuilding on Monday, Trump declared that the 15% tariff on South Korean goods would remain in place.
While highlighting the unchanged tariff rates, Bloomberg emphasized that the talks were largely tension-free, with Trump praising Lee as a truly outstanding representative for South Korea.
The Washington Post(WP) ran an article titled, Trump Meets South Korean Leader Following Public Criticism. The WP highlighted that despite Trump’s social media criticism of South Korea’s political situation, he managed to avoid tension during the meeting.
Earlier, just hours before Lee’s visit, Trump had posted on social media stating on what’s happening in South Korea? It looks like a purge or revolution and that he can’t do business there under these circumstances.
The WP emphasized that when Trump met Lee in the White House reception room, he warmly congratulated him on his election.
The article noted that both leaders, despite their differences, share common experiences. Both faced assassination attempts during events last year and, after enduring indictments, trials, and convictions in recent years, their political positions have actually strengthened.
The WP observed that Monday’s summit provided an opportunity for the two leaders to meet for the first time and establish a rapport.
In contrast, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) opted for brief coverage of the U.S.-Korea summit as breaking news, rather than a separate feature article.