Trump directs Pentagon to scale back joint drills with South Korea
Trump instructs Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing costs and ties with North Korea.
US President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to substantially reduce the scale of joint military exercises with South Korea, according to a social media post on Sunday. While acknowledging that it was too late to cancel the upcoming drills entirely, Trump expressed displeasure over Washington's earlier commitment to participate.
In his post on Truth Social, Trump said the exercises were costly and sent a signal he described as "totally inappropriate and hostile" toward a country that has remained "unthreatening and respectful" during his presidency. He also referenced his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Trump further linked the decision to South Korea's refusal to join US-led efforts against Iran. He wrote that he had recently asked the South Korean president whether Seoul would participate in the "Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran," and received a negative response.
The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military drills are scheduled to take place from August 17 to 27.