Trump Orders Pentagon to Substantially Reduce South Korea Military Exercises

Conflict44 sourcesAug 17, 2026

SplitFactual rigor 54/100

The Story

President Trump announced Sunday he ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea.

The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, involving 18,000 South Korean soldiers, began Monday as scheduled and are set to continue until August 27 or 28. Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that the exercises are costly and send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile to North Korea. He cited his very good relationship with Kim Jong Un and claimed North Korea has been unthreatening and respectful during his presidency.

Trump also mentioned that he recently asked South Korea's president if they would join the U.S. in the denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they declined, though he called this somewhat unrelated. South Korea's presidential office stated Monday it was closely following Trump's message and hoped for meaningful dialogue between the two countries.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the drills started on Monday as planned. The presidential office also said Seoul was discussing potential military contributions regarding Iran, considering its defense readiness and domestic legal procedures. North Korea on Friday threatened unspecified stern steps against the U.S. and South Korea, describing their drills as a rehearsal for an aggressive war.

Pyongyang has long condemned the Ulchi drills. North Korea conducted ballistic missile tests on August 6 and August 12. The exercises are a core part of the allies' deterrence posture on the Korean peninsula, where about 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed. In May, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had praised South Korea for its commitment to increase defense spending.

What they agree on

President Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea.
Trump announced his decision on Sunday via a social media post, citing the cost of the drills and their perceived hostility toward North Korea.
The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises began on Monday as scheduled, despite Trump's order.
Trump also mentioned South Korea's refusal to join a U.S. effort to denuclearize Iran as a factor in his decision.
South Korea's presidential office stated it was reviewing Trump's message and hoped for meaningful dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea.

Where they split

The New York Times emphasizes the strain Trump's overture to North Korea places on the alliance with South Korea, noting North Korea's increased belligerence under Kim.
The Daily Wire frames Trump's decision as projecting weakness in the Pacific and risking the empowerment of America's enemies.
The South China Morning Post highlights speculation that Trump's call to cut drills is an attempt to persuade Kim Jong Un to attend another summit.
CBS News includes North Korea's Friday threat of unspecified stern steps against the U.S. and South Korea, describing their drills as a "rehearsal for an aggressive war."