Former President Donald Trump announced via his social media platform Truth Social that he has directed the Pentagon to significantly decrease the scale of joint military exercises with South Korea. Trump stated that while it was too late to cancel the drills entirely, he was "not happy" with the prior agreement to participate.
He characterized the exercises as "costly" and sending an "inappropriate and hostile" signal to South Korea, a nation he described as having been "unthreatening and respectful" during his presidency. Trump also referenced his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a factor.
In addition to the cost and signaling concerns, Trump also pointed to South Korea's stance on the conflict between the United States and Iran, noting Seoul's refusal to join actions against Iran. The instruction to reduce exercises was made in a social media post on Sunday.