(3rd 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, a move seen as a conciliatory gesture toward North Korea, according to a social media post from the White House. The exercises, which are costly and send a hostile signal to North Korea, have come under scrutiny as the two allies kicked off their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise.

Trump claimed his decision was based on a "very good relationship" with North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, and stated that he would instruct Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to reduce the joint military drills. The move comes as North Korea has conducted ballistic missile launches in response to the exercise. Trump's announcement may be an attempt to rekindle direct diplomacy with Kim, an unfinished business from his first term.

However, some observers warn that the decision could be seen as a sign of disregard for the Seoul-Washington alliance and could affect the allies' deterrence against North Korea.