Donald Trump Praises Kim Jong Un; Presidential Rivals Pounce on Him

Donald Trump just heaped some very kind words in praise of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Now, his rivals for the 2024 GOP nomination pounced on him for this.

Trump praised North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday after the rogue nation received a seat on the World Health Organization's (WHO) executive board. He took to his social media site, Truth Social, and wrote, "Congratulations to Kim Jung Un!"

Many countries, including the United States, were not happy with North Korea's ascension to the WHO board on Friday, with both Republicans and Democrats condemning it. However, Trump, the only president to ever meet a North Korean leader in person, still heaped praise on the country.

According to The Hill, former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley was one of the loudest Republicans, calling the ascension a "total farce." She then turned on her former boss, Donald Trump, saying, "You don't congratulate a thug."

Haley, who is one of Trump's many rivals for the Republican nomination in 2024, added, "I mean, let's keep in mind, this thug has threatened America, has threatened our allies, over and over again."

She also stated, "This is not something to play with," before calling Kim Jong Un a "terrible individual" who is also terrible to his people and terrible to US allies.

Ron DeSantis Also Blasts Donald Trump Over Kim Jong Un Praise

Meanwhile, Donald Trump's biggest rival so far, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, also reacted to Trump praising Kim. He was in Iowa for Iowa Senator Joni Ernst's annual Roast and Ride fundraiser with rivals former Vice President Mike Pence and Nikki Haley and stated that he was "surprised" that Trump said that.

DeSantis then called the North Korean leader a "murderous dictator" before saying that the World Health Organization is bankrupt for ascending North Korea in that position, according to USA Today.

The controversial Florida governor then stated that the US should get out of the WHO rather than congratulate dictators like Kim Jong Un for joining it.

DeSantis, much like many on the far right, has been aiming for the US to get out of the WHO ever since the pandemic began. However, his state was one of the hardest-hit states at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mike Pence Takes Shot at Donald Trump's History of Praising Dictators

Meanwhile, former Vice President Mike Pence was once considered the most loyal person in the Trump administration. Now, he is considered one of his most bitter rivals as Trump once set an angry mob to "hang" him during the events of January 6.

Pence, who is projected to announce his run for the presidency in 2024, hit his former boss on his strong relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as Kim Jong Un.

"Whether it's my former running mate or anyone else, no one should be praising the dictator in North Korea - or praising the leader of Russia, who has launched an unprovoked war of aggression in Ukraine," he said in an interview in Iowa. "This is a time when we ought to make it clear to the world that we stand for freedom and we stand with those who stand for freedom."

According to Politico, this latest attack on Trump from his former VP is a sign that he will be ramping up his attacks on his former close ally as he prepares to launch his 2024 candidacy.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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