US President Donald Trump has announced plans to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing the cost of the drills and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Trump made the remarks in a post on Truth Social, saying his administration would reduce the exercises because they send what he described as an “inappropriate and hostile” signal to North Korea.
He also pointed to South Korea’s decision not to join the United States in efforts to “denuclearise” Iran.
“These exercises are not only costly, with much of these costs paid for by the United States of America (as usual!), but send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile,” Trump wrote.
South Korea Reviewing Trump’s Remarks
South Korean officials said they were reviewing Trump’s comments but expressed hope that his relationship with Pyongyang could eventually help create an opportunity for meaningful dialogue.
Earlier, Seoul had said the annual military exercises with the United States would proceed as scheduled.
Trump said it was already too late to cancel the exercises because the drills were due to begin on Monday.
His announcement comes shortly after North Korea conducted ballistic missile tests, despite such launches being prohibited under United Nations sanctions.
North Korea has yet to officially respond to Trump’s latest comments.
Trump also recalled a recent conversation with South Korea’s president concerning US efforts to denuclearise Iran, saying Seoul had declined to participate.
The development could raise fresh questions about the future of the longstanding US-South Korea security partnership, particularly as tensions involving North Korea remain high.
