Was the Trump Summit with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un a Success?

Mark Berookim did not write this blog post and the content within this article does not express his views on the topic.

As a matter of opinion, private citizens and news commentators have different opinions on how well the summit in Singapore went between the USA and North Korea’s leaders. In the first summit between the two countries which took place last week on June 12, 2018, allegedly some concessions were made by both sides of the aisle. First, the USA agreed to halt its joint military exercises with South Korea calling them “provocative” but reserving the right to reinstate them at any time, based upon the future actions of North Korea. Many commentators disliked this concession- calling it foolish and playing straight into the hands of the North Koreans. In exchange, Trump has gotten the North Korean leader to agree to return up to 200 sets of the remains of USA war veterans from the Korean War which is set to be planned in the upcoming days. He also claims that part of this deal included the release of three American hostages, which preceded the Summit.

As a diplomatic measure, it seems to have appeased the North Korean dictator in some sense. According to President Trump, Kim Jong Un also agreed to destroy another nuclear facility at the conclusion of their meeting as a bonus. The documents signed by both leaders indicate that North Korea is to begin denuclearization but there is no clear timeline or timetable set out.

Critics believe nothing significant was accomplished at the Singapore Summit, while others give a more favorable opinion in recent polling. Some believe the North Korean nuclear threat has been eliminated, some people that this is a step in the right direction, while others claim the USA gave up too much and received nothing in return. According to a new CNN poll, more than half, approximately 52% of Americans are satisfied with the outcome of the Summit– and the historic meeting that took place.