A 2018 interview with President-elect Donald Trump has resurfaced, sparking renewed controversy over his praise for North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un. In the clip, Trump expressed admiration for Kim’s authority, saying he wanted Americans to “sit up at attention” like North Koreans do for their leader. The comment has gained traction following Trump’s 2024 election victory, reigniting debates about his views on authoritarianism.
During the impromptu Fox & Friends interview on the White House lawn, Trump remarked, “He’s the head of a country, and I mean he is the strong head. Don’t let anyone think anything different. He speaks and his people sit up at attention. I want my people to do the same.” When asked to clarify, Trump later claimed he was “kidding,” adding, “You don’t understand sarcasm”, as per Politico.
The remarks followed Trump’s historic 2018 summit with Kim in Singapore, where he sought a denuclearization deal. However, his comments caused a stir, especially given his prior criticism of Kim as a “little rocket man” and a “sick puppy.” Critics questioned whether Trump’s admiration was aimed at his staff or the American public, fueling concerns about his authoritarian tendencies.
Despite his earlier harsh rhetoric, Trump’s meeting with Kim marked a dramatic shift in tone. When asked why he changed his perspective, Trump explained, “I don’t want to see a nuclear weapon destroy you and your family,” emphasizing his desire for good relations with North Korea and other nations.
However, Trump’s apparent affinity for authoritarian leaders like Kim Jong-Un, Vladimir Putin, and even Adolf Hitler has drawn widespread criticism. His use of inflammatory rhetoric against opponents and perceived authoritarian traits have raised concerns among critics and even former staffers from his first term.
As reported by Mediaite, John Kelly, Trump’s former Secretary of Homeland Security and Chief of Staff, has been particularly vocal. Kelly described Trump as lacking empathy and disdainful of military service, claiming Trump “commented more than once that Hitler did some good things, too.” Kelly added, “If you know what Hitler was all about, it would be pretty hard to make an argument that he did anything good.” He asserted that Hitler’s actions were deeply rooted in fascism and racism, highlighting the dangers of Trump’s comments.
As Trump prepares to take office again, his past statements and actions continue to fuel debates about his leadership style, with critics warning of parallels to authoritarian figures. The 2018 remark serves as a reminder of Trump’s polarizing rhetoric and its implications for his presidency.