Former President Donald Trump announced that the United States will "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea. Trump stated that these exercises are both costly, with the U.S. bearing much of the expense, and send an "inappropriate and hostile" signal.
Trump made these remarks on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Sunday evening. He also noted that South Korea had recently declined to join the U.S. in the "denuclearisation" of Iran, suggesting this played a role in his decision. This statement comes as the U.S. and South Korea were scheduled to begin their regular military exercises on Monday.
Trump has previously diverged from established American foreign policy norms in his dealings with North Korea, having last met with its leader, Kim Jong Un, in person in 2019. His comments suggest a continued willingness to alter long-standing alliances and military postures based on his personal relationships and specific geopolitical stances.