Trump warns US 'patience is over' with North Korea

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - President Donald Trump warned Friday the U.S. patience with North Korea’s "reckless and brutal regime" has run out.

"The era of strategic patience with the North Korean regime has failed," Trump said in prepared remarks in the Rose Garden while standing alongside his South Korean counterpart. "Frankly, that patience is over."

South Korean President Moon Jae-in visit follows the death of a U.S. citizen shortly after he was released in a coma from North Korean captivity.

Moon, who has been more dovish than his predecessors on the issue of the North, nonetheless echoed Trump, promising a "stern response" to any further provocations.

He vowed to "strengthen" the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

Pyongyang views American engagement on the Korean Peninsula -- including the presence of 30,000 troops -- as a signal Washington is preparing to reignite the 1950-53 Korean War.

During his remarks in the Rose Garden, Trump called on the international community to back additional sanctions to thwart the North's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, which run afoul of UN regulations.

"Our goal is peace, stability and prosperity for the region. But the United States will defend itself -- always will defend itself. Always. And we will always defend our allies," he said.

But the leaders were not always on the same page.

During remarks in the Oval Office, Trump said he would work toward leveling the U.S. trade imbalance with Seoul and seek a trade "deal that's fair for the United States and fair for South Korea".

Moon's remarks were in Korean and a translation was not immediately available.