Trump taps North Korea expert Allison Hooker as under secretary of state | NK News
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February 13, 2025
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Trump taps North Korea expert Allison Hooker as under secretary of state

Hooker accompanied Trump to key summits with Kim Jong Un and experts say appointment signals interest in renewed talks
Chad O'Carroll February 13, 2025
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Trump taps North Korea expert Allison Hooker as under secretary of state
Former United States Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, Allison Hooker and Donald Trump | Image: Donald J. Trump via Twitter

U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Allison Hooker as under secretary of state for political affairs, a seasoned diplomat whose Korea expertise suggests Washington may pursue renewed talks with Pyongyang in the coming months and years, according to experts.

Hooker, a veteran Korea specialist, played a key role in past Trump administration negotiations with Pyongyang. Her nomination on Tuesday comes as the White House has been appointing other key foreign policy officials with prior experience engaging North Korea.

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About the Author

Chad O'Carroll

Chad O'Carroll

Chad O'Carroll is the founder of NK News/NK Pro and related holding company Korea Risk Group. In addition to being the group's CEO, O'Carroll is a frequent writer and commentator about the Koreas, having written about the two nations since 2010. He has visited the DPRK multiple times, worked and lived in Washington, D.C. with a focus on peninsula issues, and lived in the ROK since 2016.

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