Trump voices mild optimism about ties with North Korea

Ralph Freso | Getty Images

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures during a rally at the Phoenix Convention Center on August 22, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism on Tuesday about a possible improvement in relations with North Korea after months of mounting tension over its weapons programs.

“I respect the fact that he is starting to respect us,” Trump said of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

“And maybe – probably not, but maybe – something positive can come about,” he said at a campaign rally in Phoenix, Arizona.