Trump: "Pompeo Ordered Dog Walk, Might Have Been Negotiating with Kim Jong-un" (Summary)

Pompeo Defends Secretary of State Over Dismissal of State Department Inspector General
Harsh Criticism of WHO and China Together

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Donald Trump responded to reports that the State Department inspector general was dismissed after investigating Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for ordering staff to run personal errands such as walking his dog, saying, "Maybe he (Pompeo) was busy. He could have been negotiating with Kim Jong-un."

President Trump made these remarks to reporters on the 18th (local time) during a meeting with the restaurant industry at the White House.

He went on to say that Secretary Pompeo requested the dismissal of the inspector general. He stated, "I am happy to have done what Secretary Pompeo asked me to do."

President Trump also issued another warning to the World Health Organization (WHO) and China. He said, regarding the WHO assembly held that day, "I chose not to speak today. I will speak soon, but decided not to today."

He continued, "The U.S. gives $450 million a year to the WHO, while China gives $38 million a year. And they (WHO) are puppets of China," adding, "They are China-centric and puppets of China, to put it mildly."

He also mentioned that he is considering reducing the $450 million to $40 million, similar to China's contribution, and that a decision will be made soon.

The WHO held its 73rd World Health Assembly (WHA) that day. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered the keynote speech, while U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar spoke on behalf of the United States.

President Trump further stated, "China knew what was happening. They could have stopped (COVID-19) in their own land but did not."

In this context, President Trump also continued his criticism of former President Barack Obama. He raised his voice, saying, "Obama was the most incompetent U.S. president in history. His handling was a mess." Recently, President Trump has been intensifying his attacks by linking the pro-China frame against former Vice President Joe Biden to former President Obama.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.