Trump vows more sanctions over North Korea's nuclear buildup

NEW YORK – President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday aiming to tighten an economic noose around North Korea, days after he threatened to "totally destroy" the country if forced to defend the United States or its allies.

The new order enables the US to sanction individual companies and institutions that finance trade with North Korea. It adds to US-led international pressure against Kim Jong Un's expanded missile and nuclear testing program that has stoked fears of nuclear war and dominated the president's debut at this week's UN General Assembly.

The announcement came as Trump met in New York with leaders from close US allies South Korea and Japan, the nations most imperiled by North Korea's threats.