NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — President Trump
Donald John TrumpRead: Attorney General William Barr's written testimony to the House Judiciary Committee Barr expected to blast Democrats for efforts to 'discredit' him in upcoming hearing 22 people facing federal charges in connection to Portland protests MORE will announce the “largest-ever set of sanctions on the North Korean regime” on Friday when he speaks to a gathering of conservative activists.
The White House tipped its hand in newly released excerpts of the speech Trump will deliver later Friday morning.
“Today I am announcing that we are launching the largest-ever set of new sanctions on the North Korean regime,” the president will tell attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
“The Treasury Department will soon be taking new action to further cut off sources of revenue and fuel that the regime uses to fund its nuclear program and sustain its military by targeting 56 vessels, shipping companies, and trade businesses that are assisting North Korea in evading sanctions.”
Trump has tangled with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un throughout his presidency. Kim has threatened attacks on the U.S. mainland, while Trump has publicly belittled the North Korean leader and promised a strong and proactive stance against Kim.
The announcement comes as top aides in the White House, including the president’s daughter Ivanka Trump
Ivana (Ivanka) Marie TrumpWhite House COVID-19 case underscores persistent threat of virus OVERNIGHT ENERGY: EPA effort to boost uranium mining leaves green groups worried about water | DNC climate platform draft calls for net-zero emissions by 2050 | Duckworth introduces safety net bill for coal country Ivanka Trump visits Rocky Mountain park after passage of conservation bill MORE, head to South Korea for the Winter Olympics closing ceremonies.
North Korea was a key topic on the mind of Vice President Pence, who attended the Olympics opening ceremonies, when he addressed the CPAC crowd Thursday. He specifically took aim at the media, accusing reporters of criticizing him for not standing as the unified Korean team entered the ceremonies during his visit.
“For all those in the media who think I should have stood and cheered with the North Koreans, I say: The United States of America doesn't stand with murderous dictatorships. The United States of America stands up to murderous dictatorships," Pence said to loud cheers.
The sanctions come days after it was reported that North Korean officials canceled a meeting with Pence in South Korea over Pence's announcement that the administration was at the time working on the sanctions package.
"I’m announcing today that the United States of America will soon unveil the toughest and most aggressive round of economic sanctions on North Korea ever," Pence said earlier this month during a news conference in Japan, standing alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
"We will continue to isolate North Korea until it abandons its nuclear and ballistic missile program once and for all."
Reuters reports that Friday's announcement could constitute the largest package of sanctions ever levied against the country, which has seen relations with its closest neighbor, South Korea, cool down over the countries' joint cooperation for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.
John Bowden contributed.
Updated 9:50 a.m.
