In brief
Donald Trump has announced a planned scaling back of U.S.-South Korea joint military drills, citing his improved relationship with Kim Jong Un. He criticized the costly nature and perceived hostility of the exercises, which are set to resume next week. Trump’s statement reflects a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy toward North Korea and the quality of ties with Seoul. The move comes amid recent demonstrations that South Korea will not join U.S. efforts to denuclearise Iran. Updates will follow as the United States and South Korea prepare to recommence regular drills this Monday.
Donald Trump has said the U.S. will “substantially reduce” joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his “very good relationship” with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that the drills are costly—“with much of these costs paid for by the United States of America (as usual!)”—and that they send a signal that is “totally inappropriate and hostile.”
He noted that South Korea had recently declined to join the U.S. in the “denuclearisation” of Iran, further underscoring his intent to reshape U.S. alliances.
The former president’s stance diverges sharply from standard U.S. foreign‑policy norms, especially after his last visit to North Korea in 2019. He has consistently sought to improve ties with Kim Jong Un, a key point he highlights in his post.
The U.S. and South Korea are scheduled to launch their regular exercises on Monday, potentially signaling a shift in regional strategy.
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