WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump ordered a substantial reduction in joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises, citing his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and concerns about cost and messaging.
The decision came Sunday evening, ahead of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises scheduled to begin Monday. Trump said he was "not happy" with U.S. participation, describing the drills as costly and sending a "totally inappropriate and hostile" signal to North Korea, a country he said has been "unthreatening and respectful" during his presidency.
Though too late to cancel the exercises entirely, Trump ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "substantially reduce" their scope. The Ulchi Freedom Shield drills were slated to run until Aug. 27, with original plans calling for approximately 18,000 South Korean troops to participate alongside U.S. forces and personnel from 11 of the 18 United Nations Command member states.
The reduction comes despite warnings from military officials in both South Korea and the U.S. that Kim Jong-un's regime is actively learning new battlefield tactics from the conflict in Ukraine, potentially enhancing its military capabilities.
South Korea's presidential Blue House confirmed it was reviewing Trump's announcement. "We hope that the friendly relationship between the US and North Korean leaders will lead to meaningful dialogue between the two countries, opening discussions aimed at advancing peace and stability on the Korean peninsula," the Blue House said in a statement.
On Monday, Trump further commented on his relationship with Kim in the Oval Office, claiming the North Korean leader had responded to his overtures. "I understand him," Trump said. "He understands me."
Trump posted an older photograph of himself with Kim on Truth Social over the weekend, reiterating that the two "get along great." The post fueled speculation he may seek to renew diplomatic efforts and pursue another summit with the North Korean leader.
Trump has a history of suspending major U.S.-South Korean military exercises in pursuit of diplomacy with North Korea. Following his initial summit with Kim in 2018, that year's Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise was canceled, and other drills were suspended or scaled back before being redesigned and resumed under modified forms.
Cheong Seong-chang, vice president of the Seoul-based Sejong Institute think tank, said that if Trump meets Kim again, he could take further steps, including a complete suspension of exercises or a reduction in U.S. troop levels, potentially without consulting South Korea.
Cheong also said Seoul should gradually decrease its security reliance on Washington and work toward developing its own nuclear arms—an idea that has broad support in South Korea.
