Politics

Trump Hosts South Korean Leader Amidst Stability Concerns: What’s at Stake for the Peninsula?

August 25, 2025, 9:57 PM

South Korean President Lee and his wife walk up a red carpeted staircase to board an airplane with "KOREA" written on its side.

South Korean President Lee departs for Canada to attend the 51st G7 summit, his first presidential trip since taking office, on June 16, 2025. By Republic of Korea - CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Executive Summary

South Korean leader Lee Jae-myung met President Trump to deepen economic ties and foster peace on the Korean peninsula, despite Trump’s prior public remarks questioning South Korea’s political stability.

President Trump expressed concerns about South Korea’s internal stability and alleged church raids, which President Lee explained were related to ongoing investigations following a presidential impeachment.

Discussions also covered President Trump’s intention to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, his desire for the U.S. to own land for its military base in South Korea, and the possibility of South Korea purchasing U.S. military equipment.

The Story So Far

South Korea is currently navigating a months-long political crisis following the impeachment of its previous president, which has led to ongoing investigations, including those related to alleged church raids that President Trump publicly questioned ahead of his meeting with leader Lee Jae-myung. This internal political instability, coupled with President Trump’s expressed concerns, formed a critical backdrop to the leaders’ discussions, which ultimately aimed to deepen economic ties and ensure peace on the Korean peninsula.

Why This Matters

Despite President Trump’s public questioning of South Korea’s political stability, the White House meeting with leader Lee Jae-myung ultimately reaffirmed strong US-South Korea economic and security ties, while also signaling Trump’s intent to pursue a future meeting with Kim Jong Un and potentially alter military base arrangements or equipment purchases.

Who Thinks What?

President Trump initially expressed concerns about South Korea’s political stability and alleged church raids, but later affirmed strong U.S. support, praised President Lee, and focused on deepening economic ties and collaborative efforts for peace on the Korean peninsula.

South Korean leader Lee Jae-myung clarified that investigations are ongoing following the impeachment of the previous South Korean president, while also commending President Trump and emphasizing the importance of strengthening economic ties and fostering peace on the Korean peninsula.

South Korean leader Lee Jae-myung visited the White House for a meeting with President Donald Trump, following public remarks from Trump questioning the political stability of South Korea. The leaders focused on deepening economic ties and collaborative efforts for peace on the Korean peninsula, while also addressing Trump’s concerns regarding internal South Korean affairs.

Initial Concerns and Responses

Ahead of the meeting, President Trump expressed his concerns on Truth Social, stating that South Korea “seems like a Purge or Revolution,” adding that such conditions would hinder business. He also mentioned hearing from “intel” about alleged church raids. In response, President Lee Jae-myung clarified that investigations are ongoing following the impeachment of the previous South Korean president, a situation contributing to a months-long political crisis in the nation.

Despite the initial public questioning, the White House meeting was characterized by mutual praise between the two leaders. President Lee commended President Trump, who reciprocated with similar positive remarks. Discussions largely centered on strengthening the economic relationship between the United States and South Korea and working together to foster peace on the Korean peninsula.

Discussions on North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was a recurring topic during the talks. President Trump reiterated his belief that he has a “great relationship” with the leader. He also expressed his intention to meet Kim Jong Un in person “in the appropriate future,” recalling their last meeting in 2019.

Among other points, President Trump stated his desire for the United States to own the land where an American military base is situated in South Korea. He also inquired about reports of raids on churches, to which President Lee explained that investigations involving South Korean units located within a U.S. base were linked to the ongoing political crisis. Trump also discussed the possibility of purchasing US military equipment from South Korea.

The meeting concluded with President Trump congratulating South Korea on its recent presidential election and affirming the United States’ “100%” support. President Lee also complimented the redecoration of the Oval Office, describing it as “bright and beautiful and it has the dignity of America,” signaling a positive end to the high-level talks.