Trump signals willingness to send part of his family to 2018 PyeongChang Olympics: presidential aide

SEOUL, Dec. 8 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump signaled his willingness to send part of his family to the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics during his summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Seoul last month, a source here said Friday.

The remarks were revealed after U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said it remained an "open question" whether American athletes would join the games, slated for Feb. 9-25, amid tensions sparked by North Korea's provocations.

"I understand that President Trump, in fact, said (he would send part of his family to the games)," the source at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae told Yonhap News Agency over the phone, requesting not to be identified.

Asked about Haley's remarks, the source pointed out that the U.S. leader also made a pledge about the U.S.' participation in the Olympics during his telephone talks with Moon last month.

Amid confusion over the U.S.' participation, Heather Nauert, the State Department spokeswoman, said Thursday that the U.S. is looking forward to "being a part of the Olympics."

Her remark came shortly after White House press secretary Sarah Sanders made similar comments on Twitter.

"The U.S. looks forward to participating in the Winter Olympics in South Korea," she wrote. "The protection of Americans is our top priority and we are engaged with the South Koreans and other partner nations to secure the venues."

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