Trump Secures Diplomatic Win in South Korea as Trade Deals Surge Toward $22 Trillion

President Donald Trump wrapped up his high-stakes Asia tour this week with a powerful visit to South Korea, signaling not just a new era of American economic dominance but a renewed global respect for U.S. leadership.

Meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in the historic city of Gyeongju, Trump praised the Republic of Korea as a "cherished American friend and a close ally," while advancing talks on trade, security, and technological cooperation. The trip is part of Trump’s global strategy to secure over $22 trillion in foreign investments by the end of his first year back in the White House.

“We had the strongest economy in history for our country... But this is, I think, blowing it away,” Trump said confidently during remarks at the APEC CEO Summit.

South Korea has proven more challenging than Japan where Trump secured $490 billion in new investments but the president remains optimistic, pushing for at least $350 billion more from Seoul. He also hinted at easing long-standing restrictions on fuel access for conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, something South Korea has pursued for years under the U.S. nonproliferation framework.

Trump’s tone was firm but optimistic:

• He emphasized reciprocity and fairness, declaring an “economic revolution” underway in the U.S.

• Warned business leaders against listening to “small minds with no vision.”

• Reaffirmed America’s stance: “Build, trade, prosper, and thrive together.”

Trump also touched on global tensions, particularly North Korea’s recent missile provocations. While media outlets continue to stoke panic over Pyongyang’s military moves, Trump offered a measured response:

“He’s been launching missiles for decades, right?” he said of Kim Jong Un, before adding that he’s open to another meeting with the North Korean leader. “We had a really good understanding of each other.”

And while South Korea’s president took a more globalist tone, warning against “rising protectionism,” Trump stayed true to his America First doctrine one that’s brought factories, jobs, and capital pouring back into the U.S.

The trip ended with a symbolic gesture: Trump was awarded South Korea’s Grand Order of Mugunghwa, the nation’s highest honor, along with a royal crown replica from the ancient Silla Kingdom a nod to the respect Trump commands abroad, even among leaders who don’t always agree with him.

Next stop: a crucial meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where Trump says he expects to finalize another major trade deal.

“I think we’re going to have a deal. I think it’ll be a good deal for both,” Trump said. “That’s better than fighting… no reason for it.”

At every stop, Trump has made one thing clear: America is no longer begging for trade scraps. We’re negotiating from a position of strength and the world is responding.

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