Trump orders reduction in US–South Korea military drills, cites Kim Jong Un ties

US President Donald Trump announced Sunday he has ordered a substantial reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that he is "not happy" with the long-standing agreement for the US to participate in these drills.

Trump described the exercises as not only costly, with the United States bearing much of the expense, but also as sending a signal that is "totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea. He characterized North Korea as having been "unthreatening and respectful" since he took office.

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Based on my very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, of North Korea, I am not happy with the fact that the United States has, long ago, agreed to participate in Joint Military Exercises with South Korea.

While it was too late to cancel the "Ulchi Freedom Shield" exercise, which begins Monday and runs for 11 days, Trump directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "substantially reduce" its scope. This annual drill is designed to prepare South Korean and US forces for defense against North Korea.

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These exercises are not only costly, with much of these costs paid for by the United States of America (as usual!), but send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile, to a Country that, as long as Donald J. Trump has been President, has been unthreatening and respectful.

Pyongyang has consistently viewed these drills as provocative, decrying them as rehearsals for an invasion. During his presidency, Trump engaged in direct talks with Kim Jong Un, which ultimately failed to achieve denuclearization. The last in-person meeting between the two leaders was in 2019.

The exercise was set to involve 18,000 South Korean troops and 28,500 US personnel, with a heightened focus on drone warfare, GPS disruption, and cyber attacks. South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung has recently pursued a more conciliatory approach towards Pyongyang, offering unconditional talks, but North Korea has not yet responded.

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substantially reduce