US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce planned joint military exercises with South Korea, citing Seoul’s refusal to support US efforts involving Iran and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Trump made the announcement on August 16, just hours before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises were due to begin. The drills are designed to strengthen the allies’ readiness against a potential North Korean attack.
In a social media post, Trump said he was unhappy that the United States had agreed to participate in the exercises and described them as an inappropriate and hostile signal to North Korea. He also said South Korea had declined when asked whether it would join US efforts to denuclearize Iran.
Trump said the exercises could not be canceled because they were already scheduled, but he instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to significantly reduce them.
South Korea, however, said the military exercises would proceed as previously notified and scheduled. The annual drills are expected to run from August 17 to August 27 and involve about 18,000 South Korean troops,