Trump scales back U.S.-South Korea drills, citing close ties with Kim Jong Un

President Donald Trump has reduced the scale of joint military drills between the United States and South Korea, attributing the decision to his "very good" rapport with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The exercises, which began on August 17, were deemed inappropriate and hostile by South Korea, which has maintained a non-threatening and respectful relationship with the U.S. since Trump took office.

Trump claimed that the drills were expensive and did not align with Seoul's stance on denuclearizing Iran. Despite South Korea's rejection of an invitation from Trump to join efforts to denuclearize Iran, the president instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to cut back the drills. North Korea responded to the reduced exercises with threats, accusing the U.S. and South Korea of bringing the world closer to nuclear war and stating its readiness to exercise self-defense.

North Korea has previously accused the U.S. of using nuclear capabilities for hegemonic and aggressive purposes and has vowed to strengthen its military to deter potential conflicts.