© Kevin Lamarque / ReutersCheck out Pence's 'knowing look'...
Delivering remarks on the cancellation Thursday, Trump chose to spend much of his time touting his military strength.
"Our military, which is by far the most powerful anywhere in the world," he said, "is ready if necessary," should Kim react badly to the cancellation. Trump also announced that South Korea and Japan were onboard and ready to shoulder some of the cost of military operations, should the need arise.
Trump called the latest development "setback," yet he expressed hope for the positive outcome. In his usual manner, he said that that the summit still may happen. "If and when Kim Jong Un chooses to engage in constructive dialog, I am waiting," said Trump. Failing that, he warned Kim against "foolish and reckless" acts.
The cancellation came hours after Pyongyang dismantled its nuclear test site as promised.
A summit between the two leader had been scheduled for June 12 in Singapore. Preparations had been underway since March, but Trump cancelled the meeting on Thursday, blaming Kim's "tremendous anger and open hostility" for scuppering the talks.
Days earlier, North Korean Vice Minister Choe Son-hui had threatened to walk away from discussions if Washington continued to carry out its "unlawful and outrageous acts," including joint military exercises with South Korea.
Comment: "What happens when the Unstoppable Force meets the Immovable Object?" Superman responded "They surrender." And alas, Superman is a cartoon. Comic book heroes not withstanding, the military exercises with South Korea are a major sticking point for any compromise with North Korea. Nothing is served or solved if the US remains the completely 'immovable object'.
See also: Trump cancels June meeting with Kim