Due to a typographical error in U.S. President Donald Trump's executive calendar, which had intended to schedule him for a half-day mediation session with North Korea Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un, the two world leaders wound up meditating together for half a day.
Trump attributed the error to the extended absence of his executive assistant, who, at the time the session was originally scheduled, had been placed on mandatory furlough during the partial government shutdown.
"I was trying to do everything myself at that time," said an unapologetic Trump. "What can I say? Typing's not my forte."
Although Trump and Kim Jong-un did not have the opportunity during their shared half-day of sitting silently to address the intended matter of discussion, North Korea's nuclear weapons program, Trump refused to call the meeting a total loss.
"I do feel more relaxed," he said. "So in that sense it was a success."
With a pointed glance at Vice President Mike Pence, he added, "Who knows, maybe I'll even become a Buddhist." When Pence, an outspoken evangelical Christian, couldn't quite suppress his look of horror at the suggestion, Trump laughed heartily and clapped him reassuringly on the back. "Just messing with you, Mike. Jesus is number one. And besides, the Buddha was fat."
Wrapping an affectionate arm around his second-in-command, Trump chuckled to reporters. "I love giving this guy a hard time. He gets so worked up about these things! In fact, maybe he should try meditating."
