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1/ 🚨THREAD: the fact that Trump wants a deal so bad and is such a terrible negotiator should scare us all heading into the summit with Kim. So here’s a rundown of what Trump should be asking for from the North Koreans if we want a good deal.
2/ First, a signed joint declaration detailing a roadmap for continued negotiations, w milestones for verifiable progress, including firm dates for completion. The declaration should include a clear definition of the ultimate goal—not just vague references to “denuclearization.”
3/ Next, a freeze on all weapons of mass destruction activities. Not just pausing nuclear tests - halting all enrichment activities, construction of new nuclear facilities, building of new missiles, developmental testing, and chemical and biological weapons programs.
4/ Permanent dismantlement of the nuclear facilities at Yongbyon, with international monitoring. And finally, a verifiable cap on North Korea’s nuclear warheads and delivery systems.
5/ These are tangible steps North Korea could take to roll back its nuclear program that would merit corresponding commitments from the US and our allies. But the danger lies in Trump making big concessions to Kim without anything substantial in return.
6/ We know that's a possibility because that's exactly what happened at last year's summit. Trump lavished praise on Kim and halted important joint military exercises, without any meaningful commitment to denuclearization in return.
7/ Trump's own intelligence experts concluded that North Korea's nuclear weapons program continued throughout the last year and that they remain "committed to developing a long-range, nuclear-armed missile that is capable of posing a direct threat to the United States."
8/ North Korea has a history of pretending to comply in order to get what it wants. It would be a catastrophe for Trump to sign a peace agreement, promise to withdraw troops, and give up all leverage while North Korea retains the capability to annihilate us or our allies.
9/ If this summit does result in a verifiable commitment from both sides to take step-by-step actions, on a specified timeline, I’ll be the first applaud it. But if Trump blunders negotiations and gives up the farm for a photo op with Kim, Congress will not stand idly by.
