Trump says US scaling back military drills with S Korea

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday he has ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce military drills with South Korea, citing his positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Trump described the joint exercises as "inappropriate and hostile" and costly, arguing they send the wrong signal to North Korea.

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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.

"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," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He added that the drills were not only expensive, with the U.S. bearing much of the cost, but also sent a signal that was "totally inappropriate and hostile" to a country he characterized as unthreatening and respectful since he took office.

As it was too late to cancel the drills entirely, Trump stated he instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "substantially reduce" them. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercises were scheduled to run until August 27, with approximately 18,000 South Korean military personnel participating. This move comes amid Trump's long-standing efforts to curtail or end military exercises with South Korea and his clashes with Seoul over the cost-sharing of U.S. troops stationed in the country.

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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.

North Korea, which remains technically at war with the South, routinely denounces these exercises as preparations for an invasion. The announcement follows a recent ballistic missile launch by North Korea towards the Sea of Japan, days after a similar launch. Trump's relationship with Kim Jong-un has seen significant shifts, from mutual insults to three summits and declarations of affection, though these efforts have not halted North Korea's nuclear and missile development.

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I have ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce the joint military exercises.