Former NBA star Dennis Rodman said Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un understands English when “you’re talking about basketball.”
“Do you think he speaks of understands English?” CNN’s Chris Cuomo asked Rodman as Kim’s historic summit with President Trump was underway in Singapore.
“Well, I think he understands bits and pieces. If you’re talking about basketball, yes he understands that,” replied Rodman, who is also in Singapore.
Kim’s ability to speak English has been a subject of debate. The Telegraph reported in 2012 that he got a poor, but passing grade in English while attending school in Switzerland.
In their first private meeting Tuesday morning local time, Trump and Kim were joined by translators in the room. “Very good. Very, very good,” the president told reporters when asked how his initial meeting went.
Prior to Rodman answering questions about Kim’s English speaking abilities, the ex-NBA player sought to change the subject when Cuomo asked him two times if the North Korean leader spoke the language.
“I can say one thing, I think that people know that Kim Jong Un is not a dumb man … He is trying to protect his people and trying to protect his honor and everything that has to do with his country. Like I say, that is respect. Nothing is going to happen overnight,” Rodman told Cuomo after he asked if Kim ever studied the language.
Rodman, who has called Kim a “friend for life,” announced his arrival in Singapore on Twitter Monday.
“Just arrived to Singapore for the Historical Summit! Looking forward to @POTUS having incredible success that the whole world will benefit by. Thank you @PotCoin for supporting my mission! #Peace #Love #HistoricalSummit #Singapore #PresidentTrump #MarshallKimJongUn,” he tweeted.
Rodman has traveled to North Korea multiple times and last year gave a North Korean official Trump’s book, The Art of the Deal.
The former basketball star, who appeared on Trump’s reality TV show, “Celebrity Apprentice,” said White House officials called him on Monday to tell him the president was “so proud” of him for his diplomatic efforts.
