President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea. In a post on Truth Social, the president stated that he instructed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to implement these reductions, effectively reducing support for a longtime ally.
Trump cited the cost of the drills and stated that they send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile toward North Korea. He praised North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, noting that the two leaders get along great and that North Korea has been unthreatening and respectful during his time in the White House.
The president also expressed that he is not happy with the current situation, criticizing South Korea for its decision not to join U.S.-led actions against Iran.
The 11-day exercises, involving 18,000 South Korean soldiers, were designed to beef up readiness against North Korean threats. However, North Korea has threatened steps against the U.S. and South Korea, describing the drills as a rehearsal for an aggressive war.