Donald Trump discussed the execution of General Jang Sung Taek with Kim Jong Un, the current US President boasted to famous journalist Bob Woodward during his interview, claiming that the North Korean dictator «tells him everything.»
In the new book, The Fury, by the legendary Washington Post reporter who investigated the Watergate scandal, Woodward says that, according to the president, Kim clearly explained to Trump how he killed his uncle.
General Jang Sung Taek was allegedly shot on the orders of his nephew-dictator, and his body was allegedly stripped naked and fed to dogs. Then, according to Woodward's exclusive interview with the president, Kim Jong-un put his uncle's head on public display.
After that, the general's assistants were executed, and his family was killed.
During 18 telephone conversations with Woodward, some of which have already been leaked, Trump praised the controversial leader.
Trump also showed Woodward «love» letters from Kim, in which he calls the president «Your Excellency» and describes the surging emotions that came as they held hands. In one letter, Mr. Kim stated that their relationship was like a «science fiction movie.»
Mr Trump also complained to a journalist about various investigations into the links between his campaign and Russia, saying they affect his abilities as president and his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump also admitted to Woodward that he knew how deadly and contagious the coronavirus was, but downplayed it because he didn't want to create panic. The journalist's book also tells about the tense conflicts between the president and American generals.
In an interview with Woodward, according to the NYT, Trump called the US military «suckers» for the huge expense to protect South Korea. Woodward himself wrote that he was stunned when the president said of South Korea: «We protect you, we allow you to exist.»
During a press conference at the White House on Thursday, Trump told reporters that he respected Woodward «despite knowing too little about his work.»
Explaining why he agreed to be interviewed, Trump said, «I did it out of curiosity.»
