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WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Friday 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. “Don’t let anyone think anything different. He speaks and his people sit up at attention. I want my people to do the same.”

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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.

Later, when pressed by a CNN reporter about the comment, Trump claimed it had been a joke.

“I’m kidding,” he said. Admonishing the journalist, the president added, “You don’t understand sarcasm.”

During his Fox interview, Trump showered praise on Kim and said “it’s great to give him credibility.” He noted that he gave Kim “a very direct number” and instructed him to “call me if he has any difficulties.”