Trump Cuts US-South Korea Military Drills for North Korea
United States (US) President Donald Trump announced on Sunday (16/08) that he had ordered the Pentagon to significantly reduce joint military exercises with South Korea.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that the annual drills were not only expensive, but also “sent a completely inappropriate and hostile signal” to North Korea, which he said had been “non-threatening and respectful” towards the US.
The announcement came just as the US and South Korea were scheduled to begin one of their two large-scale annual joint military exercises this week.
South Korea is one of the US’s main allies, and the relationship between the two has endured for more than seven decades despite various political changes.
Trump also highlighted that South Korea had refused to help the US in its efforts to denuclearise Iran, and said he had a “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
“Although somewhat unrelated (?), I recently asked the President of South Korea whether they would like to join us in the denuclearisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they answered, ‘No, thank you!’” Trump wrote.
“Therefore, and given that it is already too late to cancel, I have instructed Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth to significantly reduce the joint military exercises!” Trump said.
Drills to counter the North Korean threat
The joint military exercise known as Ulchi Freedom Shield was scheduled to take place from 17 to 27 August 2026.
The South Korean military told the Associated Press that the exercise involved 18,000 South Korean troops.
The joint drills were expected to include operations to counter drones, address GPS signal jamming, and withstand cyberattacks, in response to North Korea’s evolving capabilities.
North Korea is also known to have helped Russia in its war against Ukraine by sending troops.
North Korea responds with weapons tests
Trump’s announcement came days after North Korea was reported to have fired a ballistic missile towards the sea.
Last week, Pyongyang threatened to take firm steps against Washington and Seoul, and described the summer drills as a “rehearsal for war.”
North Korea routinely condemns joint US-South Korea military exercises as invasion preparation drills.
However, it remains unclear how Trump’s announcement will be implemented, given that the joint military exercise was already scheduled.