North Korea’s leadership has shown no interest in a visit to the United States in 2026, with Kim Yo Jong stating in mid-August that Pyongyang is unaware of any recent leader-level communication and will not respond to gestures such as scaled-back U.S.-South Korea military exercises unless Washington drops its “hostile policy.” Recent short-range ballistic missile launches underscore Pyongyang’s continued focus on military signaling rather than diplomatic travel. Trump’s outreach has centered on a possible regional meeting, such as at the November APEC summit in China, not a U.S. visit, and North Korea’s strengthened ties with China and Russia have reduced incentives for concessions that would be required for such a trip. A U.S. visit by Kim would require major shifts in bilateral relations, including sanctions relief and nuclear-status recognition, none of which appear imminent. Late-year breakthroughs or sudden policy reversals remain theoretically possible but face steep procedural and political barriers before year-end.