In a rare direct attack on the Donald Trump administration, North Korea’s foreign ministry on Monday condemned US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for labeling it a “rogue state.” Pyongyang dismissed Rubio’s statement as “coarse and nonsensical,” warning that such rhetoric will not serve US interests.
“The hostile words and deeds of the person in charge of US foreign policy confirm once again that Washington’s hostile stance toward the DPRK remains unchanged,” the North Korean foreign ministry stated, as reported by the Associated Press.
The ministry criticized the new US administration’s perspective on North Korea, arguing that Rubio’s remarks reflect a misguided view. “Rubio’s coarse and nonsensical remarks only expose the incorrect perception of the new US administration regarding the DPRK and will never help promote US interests as he wishes,” the statement added.
The response follows Rubio’s comments on “The Megyn Kelly Show” on January 30, where he described North Korea and Iran as “rogue states” while discussing foreign policy challenges.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has hinted at reviving diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. During a Fox News interview on January 23, Trump praised Kim as “a smart guy” and indicated his willingness to re-engage with the North Korean leader.
Trump previously held three meetings with Kim between 2018 and 2019 in an effort to negotiate North Korea’s denuclearization. However, talks collapsed due to disagreements over US-led sanctions. Despite the breakdown, Trump has repeatedly emphasized his personal rapport with Kim.
North Korea has not directly responded to Trump’s remarks but continues its confrontational stance toward the US. Last week, Kim Jong Un visited a nuclear production facility and called for an expansion of North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, citing threats from “hostile forces,” a veiled reference to the US and South Korea.