Trump instructs Pentagon to reduce military exercises with South Korea
The US president cites Seoul’s refusal to join actions against Iran and his 'very good relationship' with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
On August 17, US President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to significantly reduce joint military exercises with South Korea. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, set to take place from August 17 to 27, have drawn criticism from the president.
In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump expressed his discontent with the ongoing exercises, stating that while it was too late to cancel them entirely, he was "not happy" with the agreement reached previously. He cited the high costs of the drills and their "totally inappropriate and hostile" signal to South Korea, which he described as unthreatening and respectful throughout Trump's presidency.
Trump also mentioned South Korea's rejection of participation in actions against Iran, stating that they had declined his invitation to join the US in the denuclearisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The president emphasized that these exercises were counterproductive and served to strengthen North Korea's Kim Jong Un's position, rather than fostering peace and stability in the region.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- Trump instructs Pentagon to reduce military exercises with South Korea freemalaysiatoday.com
- Citing relations with Kim, Trump directs Pentagon to cut back drills with South Korea israelnationalnews.com
