The atmosphere has soured from the euphoric optimism with which Trump welcomed home three US prisoners from North Korea two weeks ago to doubt and uncertainty. There seems a good chance that the challenge coins minted by the White House Communications Agency to commemorate the summit may get left on the shelf. Then last week, Bolton went on television to tout his vision for a Libya-style export by North Korea of its nuclear weapons program -- without upfront incentives. In a bid to keep the summit on track, Trump hurriedly said last week that he was not contemplating using a Libya model for North Korea. The administration has also argued that his North Korea diplomacy is one reason why he should not be distracted by Robert Mueller's special counsel probe.

Source: CNN May 23, 2018 05:03 UTC