US senators criticise Trump’s decision to scale back South Korea drills

US senators from both parties have criticized President Donald Trump's decision to reduce military exercises with South Korea. The move, which President Trump called "inappropriate and hostile," was announced just hours before the exercises were set to begin. Trump cited his "good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as the reason for the decision, pointing to South Korea's refusal to join the United States in denuclearizing Iran.

Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, called the decision a "propaganda victory" for Kim and warned that it would undermine America's commitments to its allies. He stated that reducing joint exercises with South Korea frees up thousands of North Korean troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine. Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the decision would not only benefit North Korea but also anticipate their actions the next time they test the US.

North Korea has not responded to Trump's order but has consistently denounced the joint maneuvers as provocative. The US and South Korea have been conducting military exercises since the 1950s to deter North Korean aggression and signal their alliance readiness. The drills come as US allies in East Asia grapple with North Korea's expanding weapons capabilities and its alignment with Russia and China.

On the House side, Democrats Pramila Jayapal and Frank Pallone accused Trump of undermining US democracy to gain favor with Kim, stating that the president's actions are "shameful."