>>The reality is that he expects Trump to behave
The real reality is that Kim is a western media junkie and, like most foreigners, does not really understand the American psyche until they learn it by trial and error and error at the state leader level usually involves massive air strikes.
Look at Islam. They did their big attack at 9/11 and it did not turn out well for them. So, they adapted and realized that a failed and downright silly attack (underwear bomber) destroys our liberty much more than a 9/11 type of attack. They win by doing small things and giving our government an opportunity to enslave us a little more. They win by whining about Islamophobia and having our courts restrict Christianity in response.
So, back to Kim. He believes that 70% of the US does not approve of Trump, that he is a stupid TV star, that members of his own party are about to overthrow him (literally, like any other Banana Republic would do). If Kim makes noise, he thinks that the threats will speed up the end of Trump and a return to “civility in Washington”, which would be a great call to bring Obama back or to bring Hillary in from political exile after her loss (again, as they would do in a Banana Republic). And then, Kim thinks he can start demanding money again.
....”back to Kim. He believes...”
Well that would make the difference..what he believes. Regardless of what is true or reality people do make decisions on what they believe..... couple that with his own population highly questions his authority as the rightful leader..he has to prove he’s Mr tough guy to THEM.
IMO it’s the elite leaders under Kim who are defending their cozy lifestyles....none of them give a rats butt about the people there....and most people don’t give a rats butt about one another there as well.