Congress of the United States
Washington, BE 20515
July 12, 2018
‘The Honorable Donald J. Trump
President of the United States
‘The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Trump:
Contrary to your assurances following the Singapore summit that there is “no longer a nuclear
threat” posed by North Korea, according to news reports, the regime’s nuclear activities appear
to have continued unabated. In addition, a senior Administration official informed NBC News
that “there is absolutely unequivocal evidence that {the North Koreans] are trying to deceive the
US.” This is alarming and calls into question the wisdom of your abrupt decision to end joint
military exercises with South Korea. Given these developments, we write to request a briefing
on the Administration’s plan, touted in publie comments by National Security Advisor John
Bolton, to achieve the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula within the next year.
For decades, North Korea has made vague pledges to curb its nuclear program while continuing
these activities in secret. It appears that this pattern is repeating itself. Indeed, it was reported
this week that the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assesses that the regime has no intention
of giving up its nuclear weapons.
According to the Washington Post, North Korea sought to deceive your Administration
regarding the extent of its capabilities, both before and after the Singapore summit, including by
attempting to conceal the existence of an underground uranium enrichment site. In addition,
following the talks, the Kim regime has reportedly persisted in producing fissile material for
nuclear weapons, taken no steps to reduce its current stockpiles and may be expanding a key
missile-manufacturing facility.
‘We request to be apprised of the details of your Administration’s denuclearization plan,
including what additional forms of pressure — including the imposition of any new sanctions —
you intend to apply; what, if any, inducements you may offer the Kim regime; and how you will
seek to monitor compliance with any agreement. Further, in light of North Korea’s non
compliance to date with the commitments it made in Singapore, we seek clarification on
whether, and under what circumstances, the Administration would consider the resumption of
military exercises with South Korea.While in Congress, Secretary Pompeo repeatedly emphasized the importance of robust
Congressional oversight of the Iran nuclear negotiations. We believe the same principle should
apply to dealings with North Korea.
Please provide a response to this letter within 30 days of transmission.
Sincerely,
fuben Gallego’ oft
Member of Congress
Cas ShsoKeas
Carol Shea-Porter Colleen Hanahusa
Member of Congress Member of Congress
Seth Moulton Ti fa
Member of Congress Mahyber of Gongress