(2nd LD) Trump orders Pentagon to 'substantially' reduce S. Korea-U.S. military exercises

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises, in an apparent attempt to soften tensions with North Korea. In a social media post, Trump stated that these exercises, which are costly and send a hostile signal to North Korea, are no longer necessary. The president made this announcement as Seoul and Washington initiated their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which Pyongyang has long criticized as rehearsals for war.

Trump claimed that based on his "very good relationship" with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, he saw no reason to continue these exercises, as they have not threatened the country during his presidency. The order to scale down the drills comes as North Korea has recently conducted ballistic missile launches in response to the U.S.-South Korea exercises.

Trump's decision to reduce the exercises could be seen as a conciliatory gesture, but it remains unclear whether North Korea would be willing to engage in talks with Washington amid its ongoing cooperation with Russia and efforts to strengthen ties with China. Some analysts suggested that Trump's move might be an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing war in Iran, which has caused energy prices to rise, a sensitive issue ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.

The order to reduce the joint exercises could potentially affect the allies' ability to deter North Korea, as Pyongyang has been increasing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Trump's social media posts also hinted at a possible return to personal diplomacy with Kim, following their first meeting in 2019.