Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
President Donald Trump hosted South Korea’s new president, Lee Jae Myung, at the White House on Monday for a summit aimed at strengthening economic ties and discussing regional security challenges, particularly on the Korean Peninsula.
The high-level meeting comes amid a backdrop of political upheaval in Seoul following the recent ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon, a conservative, was removed from office earlier this year after declaring martial law in response to nationwide protests. His departure paved the way for the election of Lee, a progressive leader and former governor of Gyeonggi Province.
In their first face-to-face meeting, the two leaders focused on implementing a July trade agreement in which South Korea committed to investing hundreds of billions of dollars in U.S. infrastructure and manufacturing. As part of the deal, tariffs on South Korean exports were capped at 15%, following earlier threats from Trump to raise them to as much as 25%.
Despite the diplomatic tone of the summit, tensions emerged hours before Lee’s arrival when Trump posted a cryptic message on social media claiming that a “Purge or Revolution” was underway in South Korea. He also warned of reconsidering business relations with Seoul. Trump did not elaborate on the post, which appeared to refer to the recent political transition in South Korea.
Still, President Lee appeared focused on resetting relations. During the Oval Office meeting, he appealed to Trump for help in reviving peace efforts with North Korea.
“I would like to ask for your role in establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula,” Lee said, referencing Trump’s past meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. In a lighthearted moment, Lee added, “I’d like to see the construction of a Trump Tower in North Korea and playing golf there.”
Trump, who famously referred to Kim as “Little Rocket Man” during his first term before engaging in direct diplomacy, reiterated that he had maintained a “very good relationship” with the North Korean leader and did not rule out another meeting.
“I believe he will be waiting for you,” Lee said of Kim, suggesting that a renewed dialogue may be possible.
Lee also used the occasion to praise Trump’s signature aesthetic additions to the Oval Office. “The office looks very bright and beautiful,” he remarked. “It has the dignity of America.” He concluded with a nod to Trump’s political slogan: “I think America is becoming great again.”
While no new agreements were formally announced, both leaders signaled their intent to deepen economic cooperation and maintain strategic coordination amid rising tensions in East Asia.
