Seoul: A former Trump administration official suggested that U.S. President Donald Trump could potentially meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for a summit this fall. This prediction is aligned with Trump's ongoing interest in renewing dialogue with the North Korean leader.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Fred Fleitz, who previously served as the chief of staff of the National Security Council under Trump, commented on the matter amidst ongoing speculation. The possibility of a Trump-Kim meeting is especially noted as Trump is expected to visit China for talks with President Xi Jinping in May. Fleitz, now the vice chair of the America First Policy Institute, conveyed his thoughts during a press event coinciding with a forum by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

Fleitz stated, "I believe there is a good chance of a Trump-Kim summit this fall," emphasizing Trump's belief in the success of past personal diplomacy with Kim. Despite Trump's openness to another meeting, Fleitz highlighted that Trump remains firm on the U.S. stance for denuclearization of North Korea. He added that the Trump administration might engage in talks with North Korea but would insist on denuclearization, while also advising that North Korea should halt sending weapons to Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Victor Cha, Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, shared a similar perspective, estimating a "more than 50 percent chance" of a Trump-Kim meeting after Trump's anticipated meeting with Xi in Beijing. Cha remarked that Xi Jinping would likely prefer that the Trump-Kim meeting occur post the Trump-Xi summit, noting Trump's distinct approach to engaging with North Korea compared to other nations like China, Russia, or Iran.