LIers mull historic Trump-Kim summit

<p>As President Donald Trump and the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Monday, Long Islanders shared mixed feelings about the historic summit with News 12.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 12, 2018, 2:23 AM

Updated 2,145 days ago

Share:

As President Donald Trump and the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Monday, Long Islanders shared mixed feelings about the historic summit with News 12.
Some people say they support the president's willingness to meet with Kim, but others say that they strongly oppose the idea.
"I'm hopeful, and I think it's about time that people look for peace in the world," said Melville resident Elena Halady. "I would really like to see denuclearization...And if it costs us a few dollars, it'll save us money by not having to man troops in that area."
But others, like Kevin Heaney of Hicksville, say they are skeptical that the two leaders will work out a peace treaty.
"Seeing how most of the people he's surrounded himself with are pro-war, anti-peace with Korea, it's less likely that Trump would be interested in actually going through fully with the peace agreement," Heaney said.
Tom Devlin, also from Hicksville, blamed one of those advisers in particular -- John Bolton, the president's notoriously hawkish national security adviser.
"If Bolton is going to be one of the big leaders with this, I see this as going nowhere," Devlin said. "I mean, he's just a war hawk who's willing to say 'bomb them' and call it off."
Rep. Peter King said he and Trump spoke about the historic talks shortly before the president flew to Singapore.
"He knew it was going to be difficult, but he believed that it was an opportunity he had to take advantage of," King said. "But he also emphasized he would walk away from a bad deal."
And if the two can work out a good deal, both sides have a lot to gain, according to Hofstra law professor Julian Ku.
"President Trump has a lot to gain politically, domestically, if he is able to say that we've been able to make progress with North Korea," Ku said. "With respect to the Korean leader...he's going to get a lot of legitimacy. He's already gotten more attention for his country that has ever been given to North Korea."
And many Long Islanders agreed that this summit, whatever happens, is better than the situation before the Pyeongchang Olympics in South Korea, when there were talks of war.
"It's a good sign, and it's a good step forward either way," said Bruce Yuan, of Syosset. "It's better than shooting rockets, right?"


More from News 12
2:13
‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

2:26
Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

0:32
Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:19
Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

1:58
New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

1:27
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

0:49
Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

0:21
Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

0:40
Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

0:27
Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

2:13
Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

0:33
Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

0:33
Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

2:24
Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village

Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village

0:22
Gov. Lamont says confirms his picks for the State Board of Education

Gov. Lamont says confirms his picks for the State Board of Education

0:30
Police: New London man arrested for Gold Star Bridge crash in 2023

Police: New London man arrested for Gold Star Bridge crash in 2023

2:20
Republicans propose more money for schools, but cuts to immigrant health care

Republicans propose more money for schools, but cuts to immigrant health care