Kim Jong Un executed his uncle and then put his head on display so that others could see, Donald Trump reportedly told a private meeting.
The US president is said to have given the graphic account of the execution of Jang Song Thaek as he complained the North Korean dictator was a tough negotiating partner.
He is even said to have remarked that "it's not like dealing with the president of France" reports the Washington Post .
Jang's death by firing squad was confirmed by state run media in 2013 with a witness later claiming Kim used an anti-aircraft weapon to carry it out .
Officials said the execution took place on the grounds of treason and attempting to overthrow the state.
Jang had occupied the No. 2 position in Pyongyang before he was removed from all posts when allegations were made.
The anti-aircraft gun claims were made defector Kang Cheol-Hwan, earlier this year, who said he was passed the information by witnesses.
He said Jang was forced to watch the execution of two colleagues by the method before a gun was turned on him months later.
Trump said on Friday he does not consider North Korea's recent launch of short-range ballistic missiles "a breach of trust."
In an interview with Politico, Trump downplayed the missile tests by North Korea, calling them "very standard stuff."
"They're short-range and I don't consider that a breach of trust at all. And, you know, at some point I may. But at this point no."
North Korea fired two short-range missiles on Thursday, its second such test in less than a week.
Trump said he might eventually lose faith in his friendly relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which he has previously described as "very strong."
"I mean it's possible that at some point I will, but right now not at all," Trump said.
On Thursday, Trump appeared to hold the door open for more talks with North Korea.
"The relationship continues … I know they want to negotiate, they're talking about negotiating. But I don't think they're ready to negotiate," he told reporters.
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