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Trump orders military to reduce joint exercises with South Korea
NBC News • • world
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump directed the U.S. Defense Department to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing South Korea's refusal to join a potential war in Iran and his positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
- Trump criticized the large annual drills as sending an inappropriate and hostile signal to North Korea, which he described as unthreatening and respectful during his presidency.
- South Korea's defense ministry stated the scheduled Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises would proceed as planned, with President Lee Jae Myung emphasizing continued close coordination with the U.S. and support for renewed dialogue with North Korea.
- Critics, including U.S. lawmakers and security experts, warned that scaling back the exercises could weaken alliance readiness and deterrence against North Korean threats, while experts noted Kim Jong Un remains focused on military modernization and ties with Russia.
- The announcement followed North Korea's recent ballistic missile test, widely seen as a protest against the upcoming U.S.-South Korea drills, underscoring ongoing regional tensions despite diplomatic overtures.
