Two sworn enemies falling in ‘love” overnight is a rare phenomenon. Especially if one is Donald Trump and the other is Kim Jong-un. More so, if each has described the other as “rocket man on a suicide mission” and “mentally deranged US dotard” not long ago. But the unimaginable has really taken place: US President Trump has swooned over his new found “love”- North Korea’s supreme leader Kim Jong. At a rally in Wheeling, West Virginia, Trump declared his love for Kim after the latter penned “beautiful letters” addressed to the former.
Earlier, at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) speech Kim Jong-un was described “terrific” by Trump. Also, he spoke of an “extraordinary” letter from Kim Jong-un. This comes amid growing speculations about North Korea not complying to the US’ demand of total denuclearisation. President Trump’s comment comes in the wake of cynicism that nothing concrete has happened on the ground and the famous Trump-Kim meet was all talk.
“He likes me” and “I like him” rhetoric may be Trump’s way to placate the tough Kim Jong-un. Right from his days of Presidency, unlike throughout his campaign days, Trump has come out as a light hearted leader gracious with his comments and a keen desire to be liked by people. Perhaps, the saying “there is always some madness in love” fits Trump very well. There is little doubt that Trump wants to be seen as a game-changer or a path-breaker through a successful North Korean denuclearisation and leave an impressive imprint on his presidency.
The man who is praised by others is regarded worthy though he may be void of all merit – this may hold true for Trump or Kim or neither. However, if love and praise can herald a new era of peace, they would have served their purpose. By some accounts, the pace with which the US officials are readying themselves for a second summit is in contrast to the lackadaisical approach of North Korea. But with Trump hell bent on creating history, nothing is impossible.
