Trump Orders Pentagon to Scale Back US-South Korea Military Drills

President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military drills with South Korea just hours before the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises were set to begin on Monday.

Trump stated on Truth Social that he was not happy with US participation, citing the drills as costly and sending an inappropriate and hostile signal to North Korea. He referenced his very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, describing North Korea as unthreatening and respectful during his presidency. Trump also noted that South Korea declined his recent request to join US efforts in the denuclearization of Iran.

Despite Trump's directive to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the joint military drills between South Korea and US troops went ahead as planned on Monday. South Korea's presidential Blue House announced it is reviewing Trump's comments and expressed hope that his personal relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could lead to meaningful talks with Pyongyang.

The Blue House also stated it would continue diplomatic consultations on US-Korea military cooperation related to the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea's defense ministry confirmed it was proceeding with the annual exercise as previously notified and scheduled. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises are one of two major annual drills between the allies, expected to involve approximately 18,000 South Korean troops, US forces, and personnel from 12 of the 18 member states of the United Nations Command.

North Korea's Foreign Ministry had previously threatened unspecified action against the US and South Korea, describing their joint military drills as a rehearsal for an aggressive war. Kim Jong Un has built up North Korea's armed forces and nuclear weapons program, sending soldiers to Ukraine and providing Moscow with missiles.