BREAKING: Trump Announces Release of Three North Korean Prisoners

Joe DePaoloMay 9th, 2018, 8:42 am

BREAKING: President Trump tweets that the three American detainees in North Korea have been released pic.twitter.com/NWSYF2cQzg

— New Day (@NewDay) May 9, 2018

After days of reports and speculation, President Donald Trump made it official Wednesday morning: the three American prisoners who have been held in North Korea have been released.

The president posted the news to Twitter: Kim Dong Chul, Kim Hak-song and Tony Kim have been freed. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who has been in North Korea, is currently on his way back to the U.S. with the three freed detainees, according to Trump.

“I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting,” Trump wrote.

I am pleased to inform you that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the air and on his way back from North Korea with the 3 wonderful gentlemen that everyone is looking so forward to meeting. They seem to be in good health. Also, good meeting with Kim Jong Un. Date & Place set.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 9, 2018

Further, the president announced that his forthoming meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un now has a date and location — neither of which Trump is currently divulging.

“Also, good meeting with Kim Jong Un,” Trump wrote. “Date & Place set.”

Pompeo and the prisoners are due to arrive at Andrews Air Force base at 2:00 a.m. Thursday. The president says he’ll be there to greet them.

Secretary Pompeo and his “guests” will be landing at Andrews Air Force Base at 2:00 A.M. in the morning. I will be there to greet them. Very exciting!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 9, 2018