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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