Trump reiterates remarks on S. Korea-US exercise cuts, 'very good' ties with NK's Kim

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his earlier comments on Tuesday about reducing South Korea-U.S. military drills and his very good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The post was the same as one he made on August 16, but with a change in tense, as speculation grew that he might meet with Kim during his upcoming trip to Asia, possibly for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, in November.

In mid-August, Trump ordered the Pentagon to significantly cut back on allied military exercises, leading to a shorter Ulchi Freedom Shield drill and other training events being reduced or canceled. Trump wrote on Truth Social that he was unhappy with the U.S. agreeing to participate in the joint exercises, as they were costly and sent a hostile signal to South Korea, which had been unthreatening and respectful during his presidency.

The latest post came a day after Trump shared three photos of his meetings with Kim during their historic summit in June 2018 and their final meeting at Panmunjom in June 2019, indicating his intention to revive personal diplomacy with Kim. On August 15, he posted a photo of his meeting with Kim at Panmunjom, reiterating his claim that he and Kim get along great.

Trump also repeated his claim that South Korea did not comply with his request to assist in addressing the Iran war.