President Donald Trump said North Korea possesses 57 nuclear weapons, an unusually precise figure that appears to mark the first time a US official has publicly cited such a specific number for Pyongyang's arsenal. He made the comment while previewing a possible meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year, framing his personal rapport with Kim as beneficial rather than problematic for US interests.

Trump defended his relationship with Kim, insisting it was "a good thing" and pointing to a potential summit as evidence of progress. He also indicated that the United States would scale back joint military drills with South Korea, a move likely linked to efforts to ease tensions and encourage renewed diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang.