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Trump declares chance of "major, major conflict with N. Korea" during interview

Trump's 100 days
President Trump's first few months in office 07:09

President Trump sat down with the Reuters news agency for a 42-minute Oval Office interview ahead of his 100th day as commander in chief.

North Korea flexes military might, escalating tensions 04:50

In the interview, Mr. Trump said, "There is a chance that we could end up having a major, major conflict with North Korea. Absolutely."

He added, "We'd love to solve things diplomatically but it's very difficult."

Also during the interview, Mr. Trump put a bull's-eye on North Korea as being his "biggest global challenge," according to Reuters.

In a CBS News poll, 61 percent -- including majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents -- say North Korea's development of weapons is a threat that can be contained.

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President Trump stands in the Oval Office following an interview with Reuters at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thu., April 27, 2017. Reuters

Mr. Trump called out Chinese President Xi Jinping in the interview and acknowledged his attempts to find a solution for Pyongyang.

History of the first 100 days 04:47

"I believe he is trying very hard. He certainly doesn't want to see turmoil and death. He doesn't want to see it," Mr. Trump said.

Both leaders met earlier this month at Mar-a-Lago.

Kim Jong-Un, North Korea's Supreme Leader, was also a topic in the Reuters interview and Mr. Trump said that he considers the 27-year-old rational and said "that's a very hard thing to do" to take over the country at an early age.

"I hope he's rational," Mr. Trump said.

Also speaking to Reuters, Mr. Trump addressed the "horrible" free trade deal with South Korea and that Seoul should pay for a U.S. anti-missile system -- priced at $1 billion.

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President Trump speaks during an interview with Reuters in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thu. April 27, 2017. Reuters
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