President Donald Trump has claimed that the Korean War is the 'longest war' in history, a statement that contradicts historical fact. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with a North Korean envoy at the White House, Trump said, 'We talked about ending the war. And you know, this war has been going on — it’s got to be the longest war — almost 70 years, right?'
The Korean War began in 1950 and an armistice ended the fighting in 1953, but no formal peace treaty has been signed. However, historians point out that numerous conflicts have lasted far longer. The Hundred Years' War between England and France spanned from 1337 to 1453, and the Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage stretched from 265BC to 146BC. In some cases, wars have technically continued for centuries due to the absence of a peace treaty, such as the conflict between the Netherlands and the Isles of Scilly, which ended only in 1986.
Trump made several other inaccurate or puzzling statements during the same press conference. He claimed the United States has a trade deficit with Mexico of 'over $100 billion a year', when the actual figure for last year was $69 billion. He also said the US loses 'many, many billions of dollars with Canada', despite trade data showing a surplus. Additionally, he asserted that the 3.8 per cent unemployment rate is the lowest in 50 years, but it was also 3.8 per cent in 2000.
On immigration, Trump said Mexico makes 'over $100 billion a year' and does not help with border enforcement because it has strong laws while the US has 'horrible laws'. In fact, Mexico decriminalised illegal immigration in 2008, making it a minor offence, whereas US law can impose fines or jail sentences for first-time offenders. Experts say Mexico is weaker in enforcing its border laws, with the US detaining and deporting more people.
Trump also discussed a letter from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, delivered by an envoy, but initially claimed he had not opened it. An hour later, a White House official confirmed he had read it. The contents remain undisclosed. Talks are under way to formally end the Korean War with a peace treaty.
