Mutual Tariffs "Will Be Lower Than Those Imposed on the U.S."
Hints at Renegotiation of "Terrible" Semiconductor Subsidies
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of a meeting with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, stating that communication channels with North Korea have been opened. The likelihood of a North Korea-U.S. summit materializing is increasing, similar to during the first term of the Trump administration.
According to the Associated Press and others on the 31st of last month (local time), President Trump responded "Yes, we are communicating" when asked at the White House if he planned to contact Chairman Kim.
President Trump said, "You may not like to hear this, but I have a good relationship with Kim Jong-un," adding, "I have gotten along fantastically with him. This is very important." He continued, "North Korea is a big nuclear nation," and said, "He is a very smart person. I have gotten to know him well."
He also said, "Because North Korea is a nuclear power, the communication line is important," and added, "We will probably do something someday (with Chairman Kim)."
However, he did not specify the content or timing of the communication. While his remarks have been interpreted as indicating unofficial contact between North Korea and the U.S., some analysts believe he was merely reiterating the communication that took place during his first term.
President Trump had previously responded "Yes" when asked on the 13th of last month during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte whether he would rebuild the relationship with Chairman Kim established during his first term. In a Fox News interview aired on January 23, he also said he would contact Chairman Kim again. President Trump met with Chairman Kim during his first term.
Earlier, the White House confirmed its stance to pursue complete denuclearization of North Korea, but President Trump referred to North Korea as a "big nuclear nation" on this day. On the 13th of last month, he also referred to North Korea as a nuclear power and mentioned that "Kim Jong-un has many nuclear weapons," placing North Korea on the same level as de facto nuclear powers like India and Pakistan. However, some interpret this as President Trump not using the term "nuclear power" precisely because he is not a diplomatic expert.
On this day, ahead of the mutual tariff announcement on the 2nd, President Trump said, "Whatever they (other countries) impose on us, we will impose as well, but we will be kinder than they are," adding, "The numbers (tariff rates) will be lower than the tariffs they imposed on us, and in some cases, much lower."
When asked if he was concerned that the imposition of tariffs might lead U.S. allies South Korea and Japan to cooperate more with China, he replied, "I am not concerned."
Regarding the semiconductor law subsidies promoted by the previous Joe Biden administration, he hinted at the possibility of renegotiation. President Trump signed an executive order on this day to establish the "U.S. Investment Accelerator" office within the Department of Commerce.
This office will support companies investing more than $1 billion in the U.S. to efficiently navigate government regulatory procedures. President Trump also instructed this office to oversee the Commerce Department's semiconductor law program office (CPO). He has repeatedly criticized the subsidies under the semiconductor law as a "terrible thing."
This raises the possibility of renegotiating the scale and conditions of subsidies to be paid to companies. Korean companies Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are set to receive subsidies of $4.745 billion and $458 million, respectively.
Regarding the ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war and the extent to which secondary tariffs on Russia are being seriously considered, he said, "I want to see him (Russian President Vladimir Putin) negotiate to stop Russian and Ukrainian soldiers from dying." He added, "I do not want to impose secondary tariffs, but if I think he is not doing his part, I will."
When asked about remarks suggesting a "third-term challenge" in an NBC News interview the previous day, he said, "People say there is a way to do that, but I don't know much about it." Regarding the possibility of a third-term contest against former President Barack Obama in the next presidential election, he said, "That would be good."
He identified the Middle East as the destination for his first overseas trip in his second term. President Trump mentioned Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), saying, "It could be next month or a little later."
Regarding the tenure of Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), he said, "He has companies to run, so he will return someday."
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