North Korea strongly criticized Marco Rubio on Monday for calling the country a “rogue state.” Officials rejected his statement as “nonsense” and accused the U.S. of making baseless claims.
Pyongyang’s First Response to the Trump Administration
This was North Korea’s first official reaction to the incoming Trump administration. A foreign ministry spokesperson warned that “we will never tolerate any provocation of the US… but will take tough counteraction corresponding to it as usual,” according to state-run KCNA.
Trump’s Plans to Engage with North Korea
Since taking office last month, Trump has expressed interest in renewing contact with Kim Jong Un. Notably, he had met the North Korean leader multiple times during his first term.
Rubio’s “Rogue State” Comment Triggers Backlash
During a recent radio interview, Rubio labeled North Korea and Iran as “rogue states” that the U.S. must address carefully. This comment provoked a strong response from Pyongyang.
North Korea Rejects the Label
In a swift reaction, North Korea’s foreign ministry denounced the remarks. “The U.S. secretary of state talked nonsense by terming the DPRK a ‘rogue state,’” a spokesperson said. Additionally, the ministry accused the U.S. of attempting to undermine its sovereignty. “The Foreign Ministry of the DPRK deems the US State Secretary’s hostile remarks to thoughtlessly tarnish the image of a sovereign state as a grave political provocation.”
Ongoing Tensions Over North Korea’s Nuclear Program
For years, North Korea’s nuclear ambitions have been a major concern for the U.S. The country remains isolated due to strict economic sanctions.
Trump’s Previous Meetings with Kim Jong Un
Despite tensions, Trump held multiple meetings with Kim Jong Un during his first term. In January, he stated that he would like to reach out to Kim again, even calling him a “smart guy.” However, their 2019 summit in Hanoi ended without an agreement due to disagreements over sanctions and nuclear disarmament.
North Korea Remains Firm on Its Nuclear Plans
Although Trump has expressed willingness to negotiate, North Korea remains defiant. Just last week, the country declared that its nuclear program would continue “indefinitely.”