Trump's letter to Kim has been copied by hand is reformatted to facilitate the addition of comments. Comments are inline below:
His Excellency
Kim Jong Un
Chairman of the State Affairs Commission
Of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Pyongyang
Dear Mr. Chairman:
We greatly appreciate your time, patience, and effort in respect to our recent negotiations and discussions relative to a summit long sought by both parties, which was scheduled to take place on June 12 in Singapore.
We were informed that the meeting was requested by North Korea, but that is totally irrelevant.
This is a counter productive comment in several ways. Trump appears to be trying to diminish Kim's own standing and well as the standing of North Korea. In fact, Kim should be encouraged and complemented on finally being willing to negotiate.
Perhaps Trump could have said this instead:
We are very encouraged with your offer to meet us. We are living in exciting times and believe because of DPRK's location next to the highly industrustrialized China, the ample resources of Russia, and next to established trade routes to the United States will allow North Korea to participate in an unprecedented economic opportunity. Although US relations with China could be better and are outright bad with Russia, I believe things will improve as there is great incentive for us all to cooperate.
I was very much looking forward to being there with you. Sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it is inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting.
How can Trump be so thin skinned? He can dish it out, but he can't take it when he gets some of it back? Trump is a New Yorker, for God's sake, where "fook you" is sometimes used as a term of endearment!
How about:
Kim, there has been 70 years of mistrust between our great countries and we will not likely be able to completely overcome this history between us in a single meeting. However, I wish to reassure you we are committed to exploring a mutually beneficial treaty between DPRK and the United States.
Therefore,please let this letter serve to represent that the Singapore summit, for the good of both parties, but to the detriment of the world, will not take place.
You don't cancel a meeting that has global implications over a simple insult.
You talk about your nuclear capabilities, but ours are so massive and powerful that I pray to God they never have to be used.
There is no benefit here in comparing size and quality when you should be exploring friendship.
Perhaps this:
I am truly amazed what you have been able to accomplish as the leader of DPRK. You have both built nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles. This puts you in an exclusive club. I believe your able leadership will allow DPRK will accomplish a great many more things and we hope to be a integral part of this.
The idea above is to assure Kim that we recognize his leadership and are willing to consider agreements beyond a peace treaty.
I felt a wonderful dialogue was building up between you and me, and ultimately, it is only that dialogue that matters. Some day, I look very forward to meeting with you. In the meantime, I want to thank you for the release of the hostages who are now home their families. That was a beautiful gesture and was very much appreciated.
The statement above is inconsistent with the earlier statement that implied Kim is irrelevant. Trump then used the emotionally charged word: "hostages". Sometimes a little PC can be good. At least trump thanked Kim for the gesture.
Better may be:
Thank you for the return and good care of the detainees. They have been returned to their greatful families. I am distressed to learn that due to ongoing weather issues in your country, there may be shortages of food for your hard-working citizens. Although it would be politically difficult to do all I want to do for you at this time, would it be possible for us to arrange a, at least temporary, relief effort?
I believe we should show some reciprocity with a meaningful gesture and reinforce the idea there are benefits for North Korea to reach an agreement with the United States. This does not have to be a giveaway. Rather it should be in exchange for compensation in some way. Perhaps in the form of credit or favorable trade terms.
If you change your mind having to do with this most important summit, please do not hestitate to call me or write. The World, North Korea in particular, has lost a great opportunity for lasting peace and great prosperity and wealth. This missed opportunity is a truly sad moment in history.
Now Trump sounds conciliatory but blaming Kim for cancelling the meeting. At least it sounds like there is still hope for a meeting in the future.
The bottom line is Trump should meet with Kim and use his great ability to read people and situations in order to determine if future meetings are likely to be productive. In addition, this will allow Trump to develop an effective negotiation strategy.
Sincerely yours,
Donald J. Trump
Present of the United States of America