US President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The decision was announced on his Truth Social platform just hours before the allies were scheduled to launch Ulchi Freedom Shield, a major 11-day joint military exercise running from August 17 to 27, 2026.
Key Details of the Announcement
- Direct Order: President Trump instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to scale back the maneuvers. [1, 2]
- Financial and Diplomatic Cites: Trump stated the drills are "costly" and send a "totally inappropriate and hostile" signal to North Korea. He added that Pyongyang has been "unthreatening and respectful" during his presidency.
- Praise for Kim Jong Un: The move came a day after Trump posted a photograph alongside Kim, stating that the two leaders "get along great".
- The Iran Link: Trump also expressed frustration with South Korea, revealing he recently asked South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to join US efforts in denuclearizing Iran, to which Seoul replied, "No thanks!".
Context of the Drills
The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises were set to involve roughly 18,000 South Korean soldiers practicing defensive operations against nuclear threats, cyberattacks, and GPS disruption. Military officials from both the US and South Korea have previously emphasized the importance of these exercises, noting that North Korean forces have been sharpening their tactical capabilities through active involvement and arms supplies in Russia's war against Ukraine.
This is not the first time Trump has altered regional defense maneuvers. During his first presidential term in 2018, following the Singapore summit with Kim Jong Un, he similarly suspended major joint military exercises, labeling them "provocative" and expensive.
