President Donald Trump on Thursday called his decision to cancel the planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a "tremendous setback" for North Korea and the entire world.
"Based on the recent statement of North Korea, I've decided to terminate the planned summit in Singapore on June 12th," Trump said at the White House. "While many things can happen and a great opportunity lies ahead potentially, I believe that this is a tremendous setback for North Korea and, indeed, a setback for the world."
Earlier on Thursday, Trump sent Kim a letter stating that he his canceling the June 12 summit in Singapore, where the U.S. hoped to strike a deal in which North Korea agreed to denuclearize in exchange for sanctions relief and other potential benefits. Trump cited recent belligerent rhetoric from a senior North Korean official as his reason for canceling, and called the development a "missed opportunity" and a "truly sad moment in history." The official took exception to Vice President Mike Pence's recent comments that North Korea could face a similar fate to Libya if Kim does not make a deal.
Trump said that he has spoken with U.S. military leaders and leaders of South Korea and Japan, and that Washington and its allies are ready to respond if North Korea does anything reckless.
"I've spoken to General [James] Mattis and the Joint Chiefs of Staff and our military, which is by far the most powerful anywhere in the world that has been greatly enhanced recently, as you all know, is ready if necessary," Trump said. "Likewise, I have spoken to South Korea and Japan, and they are not only ready should foolish or reckless acts be taken by North Korea, but they are willing to shoulder much of the cost of any financial burden, any of the costs associated by the United States in operations if such an unfortunate situation is forced upon us."
Trump added there is still an opportunity to move forward with talks if North Korea decides it is serious about denuclearization.
"North Korea has the opportunity to end decades of poverty and oppression by following the path of denuclearization and joining the community of nations," Trump said. "That bright and beautiful future can only happen when the threat of nuclear weapons is removed. No way it can happen otherwise."
Trump added that the U.S. will continue to implement a maximum-pressure campaign, including harsh sanctions, against North Korea.
"In the meantime, our very strong sanctions, by far the strongest sanctions ever imposed, and maximum-pressure campaign will continue as it has been continuing," Trump said. "But no matter what happens and what we do, we will never, ever compromise the safety and security of the United States of America. I want to make that statement. I feel very, very strongly about it."