Yakym stands with Trump’s decision to move away from South Korea alliance

On Monday, Trump cited South Korea’s refusal to join his war against Iran, while also pointing out his good relationship with North Korea’s reclusive dictator, Kim Jong-un.

Second District Congressman Rudy Yakym, who was in Milford Monday, fielded questions from reporters afterward and was asked about the possible change in policy.

Specifically, he was asked if he is bothered that Trump seems to be siding with a dictator rather than our longtime allies in South Korea.

“What I’m bothered by is under previous administrations that were frankly very weak, Kim Jong-un was sending missiles over Japan, sending missiles, and doing a lot of missile testing all over that part of the world,” Yakym said.

“And frankly, since President Trump’s been in office, Kim Jong-un has been pretty quiet,” he said.

Yakym was also asked about reports of the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed at sea for nearly nine months as part of the US war on Iran.

Reports described shortages of supplies and water and plumbing problems. Several sailors have attempted to leap from the ship, prompting some lawmakers to demand answers.

Yakym said he’s not fully up to speed on the issue. He also said that, aside from a reporter’s question about the issue, no constituents brought the topic to his attention.

Last week and again on Monday, Trump downplayed the circumstances.

“I’ve just seen some headlines on it. I haven’t done a lot of reading in detail on it,” Yakym said.

The Republican Congressman spent about 30 minutes touring the Milford Food Bank, which provides bulk food to about 230 organizations.

Earlier this year, the food bank opened a new warehouse in an effort to improve efficiencies.

Seeing the food bank operations, he said, “Highlights the work that they do and why it’s so important. They are the ultimate safety net in our society.”