President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to significantly reduce planned joint military exercises with South Korea, citing the latter's alleged refusal to assist in denuclearizing Iran.
Trump announced the decision via social media, stating that the exercises, which were scheduled to begin soon, are costly and send a message he deems "totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea. He characterized North Korea's behavior as "unthreatening and respectful" during his time in the White House.
"Therefore, and based on the fact that it is too late to cancel, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to substantially reduce the Joint Military Exercises!" Trump wrote.
The 11-day exercises were intended to enhance readiness against North Korean threats and involved 18,000 South Korean soldiers. U.S. and South Korean forces were expected to practice joint operations in scenarios including live-fire targeting, wet gap crossings, and the distribution of prepositioned military equipment.
Trump has previously expressed skepticism about these exercises, calling them "provocative" during his first term. In 2018, he announced a halt to "war games" to save money, linking it to the progress of negotiations with North Korea. The most recent joint exercises were planned following a period where Trump noted positive interactions with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, including a photo opportunity and previous meetings to discuss the country's nuclear program.
North Korea's Foreign Ministry has previously labeled the U.S.-South Korean training as a "rehearsal for an aggressive war" that contributes to regional instability.