In its first direct criticism of the Trump administration, North Korea lashed out at US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday for branding the nation a “rogue state,” warning that such “coarse and nonsensical remarks” will never serve US interests.
The statement from North Korea’s Foreign Ministry underscores the country’s determination to maintain its combative approach toward Washington, even as former President Donald Trump has expressed an interest in reviving diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
“The hostile words and deeds of the person who is in charge of the US foreign policy served as an occasion of confirming once again the US hostile policy toward the DPRK which remains unchanged,” the Foreign Ministry said, using the official acronym for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
“Rubio’s coarse and nonsensical remarks only show directly the incorrect view of the new US administration on the DPRK and will never help promote the US interests as he wishes,” it continued.
The statement appeared to refer to Rubio’s comments made during an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show on January 30, where he labeled North Korea and Iran as “rogue states” while discussing US foreign policy challenges.
While US officials have long described North Korea as a rogue state, the timing and tone of this latest statement suggest Pyongyang is preparing to stand firm against any conciliatory moves from Washington. North Korea has a history of using inflammatory rhetoric to secure diplomatic leverage.
Trump, known for his unorthodox approach to diplomacy, met with Kim Jong Un three times during his first term. Their meetings, hailed by Trump as historic breakthroughs, ultimately failed to produce a lasting agreement on North Korea’s denuclearization due to disagreements over US-led sanctions.
In a recent interview with Fox News on January 23, Trump praised Kim, calling him “a smart guy” and “not a religious zealot.” When asked whether he intended to reach out to Kim again, Trump responded affirmatively, saying, “I will, yeah.”
Despite Trump’s overtures, North Korea has remained notably silent about his comments, opting instead to maintain its confrontational rhetoric toward the United States. Analysts believe this silence is deliberate and calculated, reflecting Kim’s confidence in his growing strategic position.
Last week, Kim visited a facility for producing nuclear materials and emphasized the need to bolster North Korea’s nuclear capabilities in response to “hostile forces,” a veiled reference to the United States and South Korea.
Since the collapse of negotiations with Trump, Kim Jong Un has shifted his focus to advancing North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. He has repeatedly argued that a powerful nuclear arsenal is the only reliable way to counter external threats.
Many experts believe that North Korea’s expanded missile capabilities and deepening military ties with Russia have emboldened Kim, providing him with greater leverage in any future negotiations.
Dr. Kim Sung-ho, a defense analyst at the Institute for Northeast Asian Studies, said, “North Korea’s strategy has evolved significantly. Kim is no longer just seeking recognition on the world stage—he’s seeking to cement his country’s position as a legitimate nuclear power.”
Trump’s previous diplomatic efforts with Kim in 2018 and 2019 initially raised hopes for a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict over North Korea’s nuclear program. However, talks ultimately broke down, leaving both sides frustrated.
For Kim, the breakdown of diplomacy was particularly humiliating. While he gained international recognition through his meetings with Trump, the failure to secure relief from crippling economic sanctions dealt a blow to his domestic and international standing.
Since then, North Korea has ramped up its weapons testing activities, launching a series of ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland and conducting provocative military exercises.
In November last year, Kim declared that his past negotiations with Washington had only confirmed the United States’ “unchangeable” hostility toward North Korea. He argued that the country’s nuclear buildup was the only way to protect its sovereignty.
During a key political meeting in December, Kim pledged to implement the “toughest” anti-US policy, signaling a return to his hardline stance.
“Kim sees no benefit in restarting talks unless the US fundamentally changes its approach, particularly regarding sanctions,” said Professor Lee Hyun-woo, a political scientist at Seoul National University. “For now, he’s content to perfect his nuclear deterrent.”
Marco Rubio’s remarks have sparked debate in Washington over how the new administration should handle North Korea. Rubio, a staunch critic of Pyongyang, has advocated for a tough stance on both North Korea and Iran, arguing that diplomatic overtures are unlikely to yield results.
In his appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, Rubio emphasized the need to maintain pressure on Pyongyang, stating, “We can’t afford to let rogue states like North Korea and Iran dictate the terms of global security.”
Critics, however, argue that such rhetoric risks escalating tensions and undermining diplomatic efforts.
The road ahead for US-North Korea relations remains uncertain. Trump’s willingness to engage in diplomacy contrasts sharply with Rubio’s hardline stance, creating potential policy contradictions within the administration.
North Korea’s latest statement suggests that Kim Jong Un remains skeptical of US intentions and is unlikely to soften his stance without significant concessions.
“Kim wants recognition, security guarantees, and economic relief,” Dr. Kim Sung-ho noted. “Until Washington is willing to offer something substantial, we can expect more of the same from Pyongyang.”
As tensions simmer, the world watches closely to see whether Trump’s renewed outreach will lead to a breakthrough—or whether North Korea will continue down its path of nuclear expansion and confrontation.
