President Turmp, left; North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)

May 24 at 12:09 PM






President Trump on Thursday canceled a planned summit next month with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, citing “tremendous anger and open hostility” from the rogue nation in a letter explaining his abrupt decision.
“I feel it is inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting,” Trump said to Kim in a letter released by the White House on Thursday morning.
The summit — which had the potential to be a major diplomatic victory for Trump — had been planned for June 12 in Singapore.
Speaking later at the White House, Trump sounded a bellicose note, relaying that the U.S. military is “ready if necessary” to take action against North Korea if it engages in a “foolish or reckless act” and that South Korea and Japan are willing to shoulder the costs.
At the same, Trump made clear that he is keeping open the possibility of a summit at a future date.
“While many things can happen and a great opportunity lies ahead potentially, I believe this is a tremendous setback for North Korea and indeed a setback for the world,” Trump said, adding that the United States would continue to impose tough economic sanctions.
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Senators react to canceled North Korea summit
Senators reacted on May 24 to President Trump’s decision to pull out of a June summit with North Korea. 
South Korea’s government seemed blindsided by Trump’s announcement.