Trump scales back joint military drills with South Korea, calling them 'hostile'

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered a substantial reduction in planned joint military exercises with South Korea, citing their costly nature and the perception that they send a 'totally inappropriate and hostile' signal to North Korea. In a social media post, Trump stated that North Korea has been 'unthreatening and respectful' during his time in the White House, contrasting this with South Korea's alleged refusal to assist in denuclearizing Iran.

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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!

Trump instructed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to 'substantially reduce' the exercises, which were slated to begin this week. He mentioned that he had asked South Korea's president to join U.S. efforts to denuclearize Iran, but received a 'No thanks!' in response. The exercises, involving 18,000 South Korean soldiers, are designed to enhance readiness against North Korean threats.

However, South Korea's defense ministry responded by stating that the exercises would proceed as previously notified and scheduled. This statement directly contradicts President Trump's directive. North Korea had previously issued a warning of unspecified 'stern steps' against the U.S. and South Korea, labeling the drills as 'a rehearsal for an aggressive war' and accusing the allies of increasing regional instability.

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We will proceed as previously notified and scheduled.

Experts suggest that North Korea frequently uses such drills as a pretext to escalate its weapons testing activities and bolster domestic support for leader Kim Jong Un. The U.S. military has described the exercises, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, as vital for reinforcing regional peace and security and reaffirming the U.S.-South Korea commitment to mutual defense. This development follows North Korea's resumption of ballistic missile testing activities, which are banned by the United Nations.

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a rehearsal for an aggressive war