US President Donald Trump has directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to substantially reduce future US-South Korea joint military exercises, citing financial costs and broader diplomatic considerations with North Korea. The decision comes as the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills proceed, with Seoul confirming they will take place as scheduled.
In a Truth Social post President Trump described the exercises as “costly” and said they sent “a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile” towards North Korea. Referring to his relationship with Kim Jong Un, he said Pyongyang had been “unthreatening and respectful” during his presidency and argued that reducing the drills was appropriate.
President Trump also referenced Iran, saying he had recently asked the South Korean president whether Seoul would join US efforts on the “denuclearisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran”, claiming the response was “No thanks!” He described the issue as “somewhat unrelated” but included it among his concerns regarding South Korea’s position on US foreign policy priorities.
The announcement comes as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung continues to call for renewed engagement with North Korea, including efforts to replace the 1953 Korean War armistice with a formal peace regime. Seoul has argued that dialogue could help reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula, although Pyongyang has remained critical of South Korea and US-led military cooperation.
ℹ️ BBC News
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