Trump Orders Pentagon to Cut South Korea Military Drills, Citing Costs and Iran Dispute
US President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” joint military exercises with South Korea, citing the high cost of the drills and Seoul’s refusal to participate in US efforts related to Iran.
Trump said he was unhappy that Washington had agreed to the exercises and argued that the drills send an inappropriate and hostile signal toward North Korea, while highlighting his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises nevertheless began as scheduled, with around 18,000 South Korean troops taking part. South Korea said it would continue coordinating with Washington on combined defense preparations and exercises.
Seoul also disputed Trump’s claim that it had rejected US requests concerning Iran, saying it was considering possible military contributions while taking into account its defense needs on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal procedures.
Trump has previously sought to reduce US military exercises with South Korea and pressed Seoul to contribute more toward the cost of maintaining roughly 28,500 American troops in the country. North Korea routinely condemns the drills as invasion preparations.
Analysts said the latest move could be aimed at creating an opening for renewed engagement with Pyongyang or limiting North Korea’s growing military cooperation with Russia. However, the decision could also create uncertainty around allied defense readiness.
The dispute comes amid broader US-South Korean tensions over defense costs, trade commitments and economic issues. The two countries agreed to a major investment deal last year, but details of Seoul’s promised investment have yet to be fully announced.
