Trump Orders Major Cut in US-South Korea Military Drills

US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing the high cost of the drills and Seoul’s refusal to support US efforts related to Iran. Trump also linked the decision to his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying the exercises send an inappropriate and hostile signal to Pyongyang.

The decision comes as the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise gets underway. The drills are scheduled from August 17 to 27, with around 18,000 South Korean troops expected to participate. Despite Trump’s announcement, South Korea has indicated that the exercises will proceed as planned. The move has renewed questions about the future of the US-South Korea defence alliance and Trump’s willingness to pursue dialogue with Kim Jong Un.