- Trump posted on Truth Social expressing his dissatisfaction with the US agreement to participate in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his very good relationship with Kim Jong Un.
- He described the exercises as costly and inappropriate and hostile toward North Korea, which he characterized as unthreatening and respectful during his presidency.
- Trump ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to substantially reduce the drills, stating it was too late to cancel them.
- In response, South Korea's defence ministry confirmed that the joint drills would proceed as previously scheduled despite Trump's comments.
- The US maintains about 28,500 troops in South Korea to enhance defenses against threats from Pyongyang.
- Trump also criticized South Korea for declining to participate in the denuclearisation of Iran.
President Trump has ordered a reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, expressing dissatisfaction with the drills scheduled to begin on August 16. In a post on Truth Social, he stated, "Based on my very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, I am not happy" about the US's participation.1
Trump criticized the exercises as "costly" and "hostile", emphasizing that the US bears much of the financial burden. He noted that these drills send an "inappropriate and hostile" signal to North Korea, which he claims has been "unthreatening and respectful" during his presidency. He ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "substantially reduce" the drills, although he acknowledged it was too late to cancel them entirely.23
The exercises, which last for 11 days, are a routine summer event for South Korea and its US allies, aimed at preparing for potential threats from North Korea. South Korea's defense ministry confirmed that the drills would "proceed as previously notified and scheduled", despite Trump's comments. Historically, North Korea has condemned these exercises, viewing them as preparations for invasion. Additionally, Trump criticized South Korea for declining to participate in discussions about denuclearization efforts regarding Iran, stating, "I recently asked the President of South Korea if they would like to join us in the Denuclearisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they said, 'No thanks!'"
“South Korea's defence ministry insists the drills will proceed as scheduled despite Trump's order. Trump also criticized Seoul for declining to join denuclearisation of Iran, while the US stations about 28,500 troops in South Korea.”
