Trump seeks to scale down joint drills in bid to lure Kim back to talks, experts say
U.S. President Donald Trump’s order to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea could be an attempt to bring North Korean leader Kim Jong-un back to the negotiating table, experts said Monday. Trump said Sunday that the exercises were costly and sent an "inappropriate and hostile signal" to North Korea, citing his "very good relationship" with Kim and claiming Pyongyang "has been…
U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea may be an attempt to re-engage North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in dialogue, according to experts. Trump claimed on Sunday that the costly drills sent an inappropriate and hostile message to North Korea, citing his strong relationship with Kim and stating that Pyongyang has been unthreatening and respectful during his tenure.
Although it was too late to cancel the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) completely, as it was already set to commence, Trump instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to significantly reduce the annual exercise. The comments followed a photo Trump posted of his 2019 meeting with Kim at Panmunjeom, where he claimed they "get along GREAT."
South Korea and the U.S. responded by confirming close coordination on maintaining a robust combined defense posture and joint exercises.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
