President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, raising fresh questions over the future of the U.S.-South Korean security alliance.
Trump cited the high cost of the exercises and pointed to what he described as his strong relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He has also argued that the drills send an inappropriate and hostile signal to Pyongyang.
The announcement came as the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises began in South Korea. Around 18,000 South Korean troops are taking part, with the drills designed to strengthen allied readiness against potential North Korean threats.
Trump has additionally criticized Seoul for declining to support U.S. military efforts against Iran, adding another layer of tension to the alliance.
South Korean authorities have stressed the importance of maintaining strong military coordination with Washington while keeping the door open to dialogue with North Korea.
The decision has sparked concern among security analysts, who warn that reducing joint training could affect military readiness and potentially weaken deterrence against Pyongyang.
North Korea has long condemned these exercises as preparations for an invasion.
The latest move therefore places renewed focus on Trump’s strategy toward Kim Jong Un—and on how far Washington is prepared to reshape its military commitments on the Korean Peninsula.
