No, he is trying to convince the North Korean regime that we are willing to use military force to achieve our objectives. Making statements to that effect to hi

No, he is trying to convince the North Korean regime that we are willing to use military force to achieve our objectives. Making statements to that effect to his domestic audience is part of convincing the North Koreans that we will actually do it. If they think he is bluffing, then they won’t submit. This is basic diplomacy theory.