The president highlighted human rights abuses by the Pyongyang regime, saying no country has oppressed its citizens "more totally or brutally" than the "cruel dictatorship" in North Korea.

"We need only look at the depraved character of the North Korean regime to understand the nature of the nuclear threat it could pose to America and our allies," he said.

Trump cited the case of Otto Warmbier, a US college student who died last year after being held in North Korea for more than a year. Warmbier's family members were present in the chamber.

"You are powerful witnesses to a menace that threatens our world, and your strength inspires us all," Trump said. "Tonight, we pledge to honor Otto's memory with American resolve."

The president also gave a nod to a North Korean defector named Ji Seong-ho.

Trump said Ji lost his limbs while trying to steal some coal to barter for food, only to be tortured later by North Korean authorities who wanted to know if he had met any Christians during a visit to China.

"Today he lives in Seoul, where he rescues other defectors, and broadcasts into North Korea what the regime fears the most -- the truth," the president said. "Today he has a new leg, but Seong-ho, I understand you still keep those crutches as a reminder of how far you have come. Your great sacrifice is an inspiration to us all." (Yonhap)