Trump scales back US-South Korea drills, cites 'very good' ties with Kim Jong Un
Summary
President Donald Trump has ordered a major reduction in joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. He said this decision is based on his good relationship with North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, and concerns that the drills send hostile signals to North Korea.Key Facts
- President Trump directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to significantly scale down U.S.-South Korean military drills.
- Trump described his relationship with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, as "very good."
- The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise between the U.S. and South Korea started as planned on August 17, 2026.
- South Korea hosts about 28,500 U.S. troops as part of a long-standing alliance.
- North Korea has an expanding nuclear weapons program and long-range missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.
- North Korea threatened a strong response to the planned joint drills before Trump's announcement.
- South Korea’s government supports dialogue aimed at peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
- Trump also mentioned South Korea’s refusal to join U.S. efforts on Iran but called it only somewhat related to his decision on the drills.
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