We previously discussed how National Security Adviser John Bolton confirmed the story dismissed by President Donald Trump as “fake news” about the U.S. agreeing to pay North Korean $2 million for student Otto Warmbier. He insisted “We did not pay money for our great Otto” and also denied that they would ever pay money for such a release. The Post reported that, while it was unclear whether the money had been paid, the United States agreed to pay for the release by calling the payment reimbursement for medial expenses — expenses incurred by the abuse of Warmbier at the hands of the North Koreans. Now, former State Department Special Representative for North Korea Joseph Yun has confirmed that it was made clear to him that Trump personally approved the payment.

In a striking contradiction of President Donald Trump, National security adviser John Bolton confirmed a Washington Post story that the Trump Administration signed a document guaranteeing to pay North Korea $2 million for the hospital bill of Otto Warmbier. Just a couple days before, Trump declared the story to be “fake news.” While no money has yet to be paid, we agreed to pay a ridiculous amount to North Korea for abusing a U.S. citizen and leaving him near death. It is hard not to see the promise as a payment for an effective hostage.