U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing the cost of the drills and Seoul’s decision not to participate in U.S. efforts related to the conflict with Iran.
Trump made the announcement on Sunday, hours before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises were scheduled to begin. He said the drills were costly and sent an inappropriate signal to North Korea, while highlighting what he described as his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Despite Trump’s remarks, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the exercises began on Monday as scheduled. The annual drills are expected to continue through August 27, with about 18,000 South Korean military personnel taking part.
South Korea’s presidential Blue House said it was reviewing Trump’s comments and expressed hope that his relationship with Kim could contribute to renewed dialogue and efforts to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
The government also said Seoul was discussing potential military contributions to U.S. efforts related to Iran while taking into account its defence readiness on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal requirements.
The United States maintains about 28,500 troops in South Korea as part of its longstanding security alliance with Seoul. Trump has previously called for reductions in military exercises and pushed South Korea to contribute more toward the cost of maintaining U.S. forces in the country.
North Korea has consistently condemned joint U.S. South Korean military exercises, describing them as preparations for an invasion. Pyongyang has also continued developing its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, including recent missile launches.
Analysts said Trump’s decision could be part of a broader effort to create an opening for renewed engagement with Kim Jong Un. However, they cautioned that the sudden announcement may have limited impact on Pyongyang.
The exercises have increasingly relied on computer simulations of missile attacks, cyberattacks and other scenarios rather than large scale live fire operations, meaning it remains unclear how Trump’s proposed reduction would affect the training programme.
The issue also comes amid broader disagreements between Washington and Seoul over defence spending and economic relations. South Korea agreed to invest $350 billion in the United States as part of a trade agreement reached last year, but details of the investment plan have yet to be announced.
The two countries are also dealing with tensions surrounding U.S. listed e commerce company Coupang, which is facing a major data leak investigation in South Korea.
Trump’s latest directive therefore adds another layer of uncertainty to an already complex U.S. South Korean relationship, while Washington continues to balance its security commitments in Asia with its military confrontation with Iran.
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