WASHINGTON, March 8 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un because he is the ultimate decision-maker in his country, a senior administration official said on Thursday.

"President Trump has made his reputation on making deals," the official briefed reporters in the wake of Trump's agreement to meet Kim at a time and place to be chosen.

(Reporting By Steve Holland and Jeff Mason; Editing by Sandra Maler)