President Trump said Monday he would be open to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his Asia trip, while downplaying the chances of a major breakthrough in ongoing trade negotiations with China and other partners.
The President, joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and U.S. Trade Representative Catherine Greer, spoke to reporters for about 30 minutes aboard Air Force One shortly before 2 p.m. local time. The press gaggle covered a wide range of topics — from TikTok and tariffs to Russia’s missile test and Trump’s relationship with Elon Musk.
Meeting With Brazil’s Lula
Asked about his recent meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Trump said it “went very good.”
“We had a good meeting. We’ll see what happens. I don’t know anything’s gonna happen, but we’ll see,” he said. “Right now they’re paying, I guess, 50% tariff. But we had a great meeting. And happy birthday. … He’s a very vigorous guy actually, and it was very impressive.”
Trade Talks With China and Canada
Treasury Secretary Bessent called recent trade discussions with China “very good,” though Trump said no final deal had been reached.
“Nothing has been agreed to yet,” Trump said. “But we feel good.”
Asked about Canada’s tariff timeline, Trump said, “I don’t know when it’s going to kick in. We’ll see.”
He also ruled out a meeting with the Canadian prime minister at APEC:
“I don’t want to meet with him. I’m not going to be meeting with him for a long time.”
Federal Reserve Shortlist
Bessent confirmed the administration is “down to five” candidates for the next Federal Reserve chair.
“We’re going to do a second round and we hope to present a good slate to the president right after Thanksgiving,” he said.
Trump later added he could make a decision “maybe by the end of the year,” while Bessent said it would likely happen “before Christmas.”
Russia and Sanctions
Trump responded sharply to questions about Russia’s new missile test.
“They know we have a nuclear submarine… They’re not playing games with us, we’re not playing games with them either,” he said. “You ought to get the war ended.”
When asked whether new sanctions were under consideration, Trump replied:
“You’ll find out.”
Japan Visit and TikTok Deal
Previewing his upcoming meeting with Japan’s new prime minister, Trump praised the late Shinzo Abe and emphasized continuity in the alliance.
“She was a great ally and friend of Abe, who was my friend,” he said. “He was one of the best.”
Trump also hinted that the long-delayed TikTok deal could be finalized this week.
“We might,” he said. “We got an original approval from President Xi. I expect we have an approval, but I’d rather wait a couple of days to let you know.”
South Korea Talks and Visas
Bessent said a trade framework with South Korea was “very close,” though not yet complete.
“The overall framework is done, we’re just crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s,” she said.
Trump addressed reports that Seoul was seeking visa guarantees as part of an investment package.
“When they come into our country, we have a lot of factories being built by foreign interest,” Trump said. “They’ve gotta bring people in with them for a period of time… We’re doing a whole new plan for that.”
North Korea and Possible Meeting
Trump reiterated that he’d be willing to meet Kim Jong Un if the North Korean leader “wants to.”
“I haven’t said anything, but I’d love to meet with him if he’d like to meet,” Trump said. “If he wants to meet, I’ll be in South Korea.”
Asked if he would extend his trip, Trump said,
“I haven’t thought of it … I think the answer would be yeah. It is our last stop so it’s pretty easy to do.”
“We have sanctions. It’s pretty big,” he added. “If he’d like to meet I’m around. I’d love to see him if he wants to, if he even gets this message.”
Relationship With Elon Musk
Trump also spoke warmly about his relationship with Elon Musk, referencing the recent memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“I think it’s good, you saw that during Charlie’s beautiful tribute,” Trump said. “I like Elon, I’ve always liked him.”
Asked if they’d spoken since, he said,
“On and off, a little bit. … He had a bad spell, a bad period. It was a stupid moment in his life, very stupid. I’m sure he’d tell you that. But I like Elon, and I suspect I always will.”
Israel and Ceasefire
Secretary of State Rubio defended Israel’s strike against a senior member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, saying it did not breach the ceasefire.
“Israel didn’t surrender their right to self-defense,” Rubio said. “We don’t view that as a violation. They have a right if there’s an imminent threat to Israel, and all the mediators agree to that.”
Future With China
Trump said he expects to travel to China and host President Xi Jinping in the U.S. in the coming months.
“I pretty much agreed that I’ll be going to China,” Trump said. “President Xi will be coming into maybe Washington or Palm Beach or someplace sometime after.”
