In an unexpected turn of events, former President Donald Trump's commendation of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for a new role in the World Health Organization has drawn criticism from
fellow Republican presidential candidates and GOP leaders.
Prominent figures such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley have voiced their concerns, labeling Trump's foreign policy as reckless.
DeSantis, while campaigning in Iowa, expressed his surprise and condemned Kim as a "murderous dictator." He also criticized the World Health Organization, calling it "bankrupt" and emphasized the need to distance oneself from the organization rather than congratulating dictators for joining it.
Pence, who is expected to officially launch his 2024 presidential campaign this week, also seized the opportunity to criticize Trump's position. He stated, "Whether it's my former running mate or anyone else, no one should be praising the dictator in North Korea." Pence additionally reminded Trump of his previous admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump, known for his one-on-one meetings with Kim, sparked the controversy with a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, celebrating North Korea's election to the executive board of the World Health Organization. He declared, "Congratulations to Kim Jong Un!"
Republican candidates have been cautious about criticizing Trump, given his substantial support within the GOP. However, Haley, who previously served as Trump's ambassador to the United Nations, appeared on Fox News and remarked, "You don't congratulate a thug." She emphasized that Kim Jong Un has repeatedly threatened America and its allies, stating that such actions should not be taken lightly.
Even Republicans who have been vocal critics of Trump joined in condemning his praise of the North Korean dictator. Former U.S. Representative Will Hurd, who has contemplated a longshot presidential bid, framed the issue as a battle between "good and evil." He tweeted, "America is good, and Kim Jong Un is evil. It goes against everything we stand for and believe in to congratulate the Devil."
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who has frequently criticized Trump and overcame a Trump-backed challenger in a primary last year, also took a dig at Trump's Truth Social post. Kemp tweeted, "Taking our country back from Joe Biden does not start with congratulating North Korea's murderous dictator." Photo by The White House from Washington, DC, Wikimedia commons.