Washington: President Donald Trump has complimented Kim Jong-un's authoritarian rule in North Korea, observing with apparent envy that when the 35-year-old dictator speaks, "his people sit up at attention".

"He's the head of a country, and I mean he's the strong head," Trump told Fox News Channel on Friday. "Don't let anyone think anything different. He speaks and his people sit up at attention. I want my people to do the same."

It was unclear whether Trump was referring to the American people or only to his staff. His interview with Fox & Friends co-host Steve Doocey took place along the West Wing driveway, and as the President talked about "my people" he gestured toward the White House.