- Trump cited his very good relationship with Kim Jong-un and the high cost of the drills as reasons for the scale-back, adding that the drills sent a signal that was totally inappropriate and hostile because North Korea has been unthreatening and respectful under his presidency.
- Trump said online that he had wanted to scrap the drills altogether, but given it was too late to cancel, they would be reducing the exercises instead.
- South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff told Reuters that the drills began on schedule, but did not address Trump's comments.
- Last week, American and South Korean military officials said that approximately 18,000 South Korean military personnel were expected to participate in the exercise, which included counter-drone operations and training to combat cyber attacks and GPS disruptions.
- Trump has long complained about US military drills with South Korea, even during his first term, claiming they were provocative and costly.
- Trump's assessment contradicts a May 2026 congressional report that found North Korea's advancement had raised the threat Pyongyang poses to the United States and its regional allies.
President Donald Trump announced a substantial reduction in U.S. military drills with South Korea, attributing the decision to his 'very good relationship' with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and the high costs associated with the exercises.1236
Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated that the drills were 'totally inappropriate and hostile', emphasizing that his administration has maintained an 'unthreatening and respectful' stance towards North Korea. Despite Trump's comments, the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises commenced as scheduled, involving approximately 18,000 South Korean military personnel and focusing on counter-drone operations and cyber attack training.5
Trump has long criticized these military drills as 'provocative' and costly, even during his first term. He expressed a desire to cancel the drills entirely but noted it was 'too late to cancel' this time. The decision to scale back military exercises comes despite a May 2026 congressional report indicating that North Korea's advancements have increased the threat it poses to the U.S. and its allies. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that the drills began on schedule but did not comment on Trump's remarks.47
“Trump said he wanted to scrap the drills but it was 'too late to cancel', so they are being reduced instead. A May 2026 congressional report contradicts his view, finding North Korea's advancement has 'raised the threat' to the US and allies.”
