Trump Taps Dennis Rodman as Kim Jong Un Outreach Continues

U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted former NBA star Dennis Rodman’s relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Thursday as the White House continues efforts to arrange another face-to-face meeting with Kim.

Rodman joined Trump’s traveling entourage during a visit to a Peterbilt truck factory in Denton, Texas, before the president headed to a campaign rally at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant, Oklahoma. Officials did not explain Rodman’s presence, although the former Chicago Bulls star attended the Oklahoma university.

Trump drew attention to Rodman while speaking to workers in Denton, noting the basketball Hall of Famer’s unusual relationship with the North Korean leader.

“When I wanted to get to know Kim Jong Un when we’re having a problem — Kim Jong Un and I get along — but the one who knew him best was Dennis Rodman,” Trump said.

Rodman, wearing a Chicago Bulls hat and clothing featuring an image of himself holding a trophy, later joined Trump’s presidential motorcade for the trip to Oklahoma. He told Reuters that he hoped to talk with Trump about “life.”

When asked whether another trip to North Korea could be coming, Rodman replied: “If you buy the ticket.”

Rodman has made several visits to North Korea and developed a personal relationship with Kim, making his appearance alongside Trump notable as the U.S. president seeks renewed diplomatic contact with Pyongyang.

During his first presidential term, Trump met Kim three times, including an encounter at the Korean Demilitarized Zone. However, the two leaders have not held another meeting since Trump returned to the White House.

Trump has repeatedly described Kim as someone he can work with despite North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and hostile rhetoric.

The possibility of renewed Trump-Kim diplomacy could receive further attention next month, when Trump is scheduled to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in China. A meeting with Kim could potentially be added to the trip, although no such plans have been announced.

Speaking at the White House on Tuesday, Trump again emphasized his relationship with Kim, saying the North Korean leader “likes Trump” and adding that the feeling is mutual.