President Donald Trump said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has responded to his request for talks, while defending his decision to scale back U.S.-South Korea military exercises as a way to reduce tensions.

Trump Says Kim Responded to Talks Request

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump pushed back when asked why Kim had not responded to his outreach.

"How do you know he hasn't responded," the President asked.

When asked whether Kim had responded, he replied, "Um, yeah, he has."

Trump did not disclose what Kim said or whether the two leaders had spoken directly. Asked about the status of the communication, Trump said, "I'm very positive."

Trump Defends North Korea Strategy

Trump also defended his approach to North Korea after a reporter questioned whether he was prioritizing the interests of an adversary over longtime U.S. partners.

"No, I'm making it much safer," he said.

Trump cited his relationship with Kim, saying the North Korean leader "has always treated me with great respect."

"We met on numerous occasions," he said. "I understand him. He understands me."

The President also contrasted his relationship with Kim with those of former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama.

"He didn't like Biden. He didn't like Obama. He didn't like anybody," he said.

He added, "But I get along with him very well. What I'm doing is making things safer."

Trump Orders Military Drill Cuts

On Sunday, Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce U.S.-South Korea military exercises, calling them "costly" and saying they sent a "totally inappropriate and hostile" signal to North Korea.

Trump cited his "very good relationship" with Kim and also criticized South Korea for refusing to join U.S. efforts involving Iran, saying Seoul responded, "No thanks!"

Pentagon Worked to Scale Back Korea Drills

A Pentagon official said the Defense Department was "actively" working to carry out Trump's order to "substantially" reduce U.S.-South Korea military exercises, reported Korea Joongang Daily.

The statement came as the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise began in South Korea and was scheduled to run through Aug. 27.

The drills were designed to strengthen deterrence against North Korea and test South Korea's ability to lead combined forces.