Trump Tower in North Korea? South Korean Prez Lee jokes with Trump
K N Mishra
26/Aug/2025

What's covered under the Article
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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung visited the US and joked with Donald Trump about reunification and building a Trump Tower in North Korea.
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President Lee praised the Oval Office makeover while Trump congratulated him on his election and reaffirmed strong US-South Korea relations.
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Trump suggested US ownership of land hosting 28,500 American troops in South Korea, highlighting military and strategic concerns.
In a light-hearted yet politically significant meeting at the White House Oval Office, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung shared candid moments with US President Donald Trump during his first official visit to the United States since assuming office in July. This visit came after the political turmoil in South Korea, where former President Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached following his controversial declaration of martial law. Yoon’s decision, overturned by lawmakers, led to his arrest on charges of alleged insurrection, paving the way for Lee’s election.
During the meeting, President Lee humorously urged President Trump to use his diplomatic influence to reunify the Korean peninsula by speaking with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Taking the banter a step further, Lee suggested that Trump should consider building a Trump Tower in North Korea and even enjoy a round of golf there. This remark, though playful, underscored the sensitive yet enduring issue of Korean reunification, which remains central to geopolitics in East Asia.
Lee also complimented Trump on the recent makeover of the Oval Office, describing it as “bright, beautiful, and symbolic of the new future of America.” His remarks were viewed as a gesture of goodwill, strengthening the diplomatic warmth between the two nations.
President Trump, in return, praised his long-standing rapport with Lee and congratulated him on his election victory, emphasizing America’s support for South Korea. Trump remarked, “We’ve known each other and gotten along very well. It’s a great honor to be with you and congratulations on your election. That was a big one, and we’re with you 100 per cent.”
In addition to the lighter exchanges, Trump also raised a serious strategic concern. He highlighted the presence of approximately 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea, suggesting that the United States should seek ownership of the land where its military bases are located, rather than continuing under lease agreements. Trump explained that the US had invested significantly in building military infrastructure, and while South Korea had contributed, full ownership would better reflect the American commitment and presence in the region.
This meeting marked President Lee Jae Myung’s first official US visit as head of state. His election brought a new chapter to South Korean politics after a turbulent period of internal conflict. His emphasis on stronger ties with the United States, combined with his candid humor in discussions with Trump, reflected his diplomatic balancing act between domestic reform and international partnership.
The humorous mention of a “Trump Tower in North Korea” quickly grabbed attention globally, not just for its lightheartedness, but also for its underlying reference to the complex dynamics of North Korea, South Korea, and US relations. While reunification remains a distant goal, the symbolic gesture pointed towards the hope for dialogue and engagement.
The visit also reaffirmed the strategic alliance between Washington and Seoul, especially against the backdrop of North Korea’s persistent nuclear ambitions and regional security concerns. Trump’s stance on military base ownership could open new debates on defense cooperation and cost-sharing agreements between the two nations.
Overall, the meeting highlighted a mix of light-hearted banter, serious policy discussions, and reaffirmation of diplomatic ties. Lee’s suggestion of a Trump Tower in North Korea may have been made in jest, but it symbolized the optimism leaders often attach to reconciliation efforts—even if such ideas remain far from political reality.
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