White House press secretary Sean Spicer defended President Trump’s decision invite Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte to the White House as a way to put pressure on North Korea.
Trump has been criticized for inviting Duterte to the capital. Critics see the decision as one that validates a leader who has ruled in an authoritarian manner and has supported the idea of assassinating critical journalists. Duterte has also encouraged his police forces to kill drug dealers and users to fix problems in his country.
“It is an opportunity to work with countries in that region that can help play a role in diplomatically and economically isolating North Korea,” Spicer said.
Spicer said Trump is aware of Duterte’s controversial statements and actions, but the safety of Americans and people in Southeast Asia are “the number one priority.”
