Trump Now Says He Was 'Misinterpreted' And 'Of Course' He Holds North Korea Responsible For Otto Warmbier's Death
- 5 years ago
President Trump says "of course" he holds North Korea responsible for Otto Warmbier's death.
President Trump on Friday afternoon posted a series of tweets in the wake of criticism over his comments about Otto Warmbier.
"I never like being misinterpreted, but especially when it comes to Otto Warmbier and his great family," Trump wrote. "Remember, I got Otto out along with three others."
"The previous Administration did nothing, and he was taken on their watch," he added. "Of course I hold North Korea responsible for Otto's mistreatment and death. Most important, Otto Warmbier will not have died in vain. Otto and his family have become a tremendous symbol of strong passion and strength, which will last for many years into the future. I love Otto and think of him often!"
His tweets came hours after the parents of Warmbier, the student who was imprisoned in North Korea and died soon after his return to the US, spoke out against Trump's defense of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Fred and Cindy Warmbier said in a statement to NBC News: "We have been respectful during this summit process. Now we must speak out. Kim and his evil regime are responsible for the death of our son Otto. Kim and his evil regime are responsible for unimaginable cruelty and inhumanity. No excuses or lavish praise can change that." Their comments followed Trump's Thursday show of support for Kim at a press conference. He was asked if, during his summit with Kim, he confronted the leader about Warmbier's alarming condition upon his return to the US. Trump replied, in part: "I have, and we have talked about it. And I really don't think it was in his interest at all…He tells me that he didn't know about it, and I will take him at his word."
President Trump on Friday afternoon posted a series of tweets in the wake of criticism over his comments about Otto Warmbier.
"I never like being misinterpreted, but especially when it comes to Otto Warmbier and his great family," Trump wrote. "Remember, I got Otto out along with three others."
"The previous Administration did nothing, and he was taken on their watch," he added. "Of course I hold North Korea responsible for Otto's mistreatment and death. Most important, Otto Warmbier will not have died in vain. Otto and his family have become a tremendous symbol of strong passion and strength, which will last for many years into the future. I love Otto and think of him often!"
His tweets came hours after the parents of Warmbier, the student who was imprisoned in North Korea and died soon after his return to the US, spoke out against Trump's defense of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Fred and Cindy Warmbier said in a statement to NBC News: "We have been respectful during this summit process. Now we must speak out. Kim and his evil regime are responsible for the death of our son Otto. Kim and his evil regime are responsible for unimaginable cruelty and inhumanity. No excuses or lavish praise can change that." Their comments followed Trump's Thursday show of support for Kim at a press conference. He was asked if, during his summit with Kim, he confronted the leader about Warmbier's alarming condition upon his return to the US. Trump replied, in part: "I have, and we have talked about it. And I really don't think it was in his interest at all…He tells me that he didn't know about it, and I will take him at his word."