Hot Mic Captures Trump Saying He Desires North Korean-Style Obedience From Americans
A brief but striking video has gone viral on X after Donald Trump was caught on a hot mic speaking about how he wants to be treated by the public.The footage, recorded during an informal exchange in the US and shared online earlier this week, shows the president comparing public respect in America to how people respond to Kim Jong Un in North Korea.The clip spread rapidly after being posted by X user Bricktop_NAFO, drawing attention because of its timing and blunt language. It has sparked debate over leadership, loyalty and how power is viewed in a democratic system.The comments were picked up clearly due to an open microphone, allowing Trump's words to circulate unfiltered.
Trump Wants Kim Jong Un TreatmentIn the video, an unidentified voice asks Trump, 'Are we close to seeing Mr. Kim here at the White House?' Trump responds calmly, saying, 'It could happen' and later adds, 'I think it's something that could happen.' The exchange then shifts in tone as Trump begins describing Kim Jong Un's authority.
Trump says, 'Hey, he's the head of the country, and I mean he's the strongest. Don't let anyone think different.' He continues by noting, 'He speaks and his people sit up in attention.' The remark that drew the strongest reaction follows soon after, when Trump adds, 'I want my people to do the same.'The comments were made casually, but the open mic ensured they were widely heard and shared.Some Says Trump Deserves RespectReaction on X and other platforms was immediate and divided. Some users defended Trump, arguing he was speaking about respect for the office rather than praising authoritarian rule. One user wrote that Trump 'deserves the same level of respect as any strong world leader.'Others took a harsher view. Another post read, 'That's exactly what #MAGA do already,' suggesting blind loyalty. Critics argued the comparison ignored how obedience in North Korea is enforced through fear and punishment.Several users said the remarks showed a troubling misunderstanding of democratic accountability.Trump's Respect for Kim Jong UnTrump's comments follow a long record of public praise for Kim Jong Un. The pattern became clear after their historic summit in Singapore on 12 June 2018. After that meeting, he said, 'I learned he's a very talented man. I also learned that he loves his country very much.'When pressed on Kim's rule, Trump later said, 'Well he is very talented. Anybody who takes over a situation like he did at 26 years of age and is able to run it, and run it tough, I don't say he was nice.' He also described Kim as a 'rough guy' but 'smart,' while saying he 'loves his people.'These remarks contrasted sharply with Trump's earlier UN speech condemning North Korea for starvation and imprisonment.Does Trump Want To Be a Dictator?The hot mic moment has renewed scrutiny over whether Trump admires authoritarian leadership. The debate intensified earlier this year following actions by his administration. On 28 January 2025, US Representative Betty McCollum, a senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, issued a statement accusing Trump of following through on past remarks.McCollum said, 'President Trump told the American people that he wanted to be a dictator on day one. Now in office, he and his administration are following through with illegal and unconstitutional actions.' She added that these moves 'directly threaten Americans' economic, personal, and national security.'The White House has not responded to the viral clip, but the footage has ensured the discussion around power and leadership remains active.
