US President Donald Trump defended his approach to alliance burden-sharing, arguing that the United States “can’t go around and protect all of these countries, especially when they’re not there to help us.”
Speaking at the White House on Monday (17 Aug), Trump said he had recently asked South Korean President Lee Jae Myung whether Seoul would assist US efforts relating to Iran. According to Trump, the response was: “No thanks.”
Questioning the long-standing US military commitment to South Korea, Trump said: “We have 39,000 soldiers over there. Why are we involved in helping you?” He added that “all I want is fairness,” while also criticising NATO allies for relying heavily on US defence spending.
Trump also defended his engagement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stating: “Kim Jong Un has always treated me with great respect” and adding, “I understand him. He understands me.” He argued that maintaining dialogue was “making things safer” and contrasted his approach with previous administrations.
His remarks come after ordering the Pentagon to substantially reduce elements of exercises with South Korea, citing their cost and describing them as sending “a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile” towards North Korea.
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