Trump orders Pentagon to scale back joint exercises with South Korea | PBS NewsHour (US)

President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to significantly reduce planned joint military exercises with South Korea, citing the latter's refusal to assist in denuclearizing Iran. Trump stated on social media that the exercises, scheduled to begin this week, are costly and send an "inappropriate and hostile" signal to North Korea, which he characterized as "unthreatening and respectful" during his presidency.

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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!

"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. He revealed that he had recently asked South Korea's president to join the US in its efforts to denuclearize Iran, but received a response of "No thanks!"

The 11-day exercises, involving 18,000 South Korean soldiers, were designed to bolster readiness against potential North Korean threats. North Korea had previously warned of "stern steps" against the US and South Korea, labeling the drills a "rehearsal for an aggressive war" that heightens regional instability. Experts note that North Korea often uses such military exercises as a pretext to increase weapons testing and rally domestic support.

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and they said, 'No thanks!'

US and South Korean forces were set to practice joint operations, including live-fire exercises, wet gap crossings, and equipment distribution. The US military had emphasized that the exercise reinforces the alliance's role as a linchpin for regional peace and security and reaffirms the commitment between the two nations. This is not the first time Trump has expressed skepticism about these drills, previously calling them "provocative" and announcing their cessation during his first term.

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a rehearsal for an aggressive war