Trump Orders US to Scale Back Military Drills With South Korea

US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to significantly reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing Seoul’s decision not to join US efforts against Iran and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump said the exercises were expensive and sent an “inappropriate and hostile” message to North Korea, which he described as having remained “unthreatening and respectful” during his presidency.

He also criticised South Korea for declining to support US efforts to denuclearise Iran, saying he had asked President Lee Jae Myung whether Seoul wanted to participate but was told “No thanks.” The decision comes as the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises begin. The drills are scheduled to run from 17 to 27 August and involve about 18,000 South Korean troops, alongside US and other allied personnel. They are designed to strengthen the allies’ readiness to respond to a potential North Korean attack.

Despite Trump’s announcement, South Korea’s defence ministry said the exercises would proceed as previously scheduled. Seoul expressed hope that military cooperation with Washington would continue while also seeking renewed dialogue with North Korea. North Korea has long condemned US South Korean military exercises as preparations for an invasion. Analysts have warned that reducing the drills could affect military readiness and deterrence on the Korean Peninsula, particularly as Pyongyang continues to strengthen its military cooperation with Russia.