Trump Directs Pentagon to Scale Back South Korea Military Drills

President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to significantly cut back the annual joint military exercises with South Korea, just hours before the drills were set to begin. Trump cited the cost of the exercises and Seoul’s refusal to join US-led action against Iran as reasons behind the decision.

Trump Calls Drills ‘Hostile’ Toward North Korea

Writing on Truth Social, Trump said it was too late to cancel the exercises entirely but made clear he was unhappy the US had agreed to take part. He argued the drills send an “inappropriate and hostile” signal to North Korea, pointing to what he described as his strong relationship with leader Kim Jong Un. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises are scheduled to run from August 17 to 27, involving about 18,000 South Korean troops and operations covering drone defense, GPS disruption, and cyberattack response.

South Korea Presses Ahead Despite Trump’s Comments

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the drills began Monday as planned but declined to comment further. Government offices in Seoul did not respond immediately due to a public holiday. Trump also linked his decision to South Korea’s refusal to join denuclearization efforts against Iran, noting that Seoul had turned down his request to participate.

A History of Friction Over Military Costs

Trump has pushed to reduce or end these exercises since his first term, repeatedly calling them provocative and expensive. He has also clashed with Seoul over funding for the 28,500 US troops stationed there. Experts suggest the move may be an attempt to open diplomatic space with Pyongyang, though analysts note the approach may not carry much weight with North Korean leadership.

Rising Tensions in the Region

North Korea has fired two ballistic missiles since August 6, and US officials have warned that Pyongyang has successfully tested intercontinental missiles capable of reaching North America. North Korean-made missiles were also reportedly used in a recent Russian attack on a Ukrainian steel plant that killed seven workers.