Trump orders steep cut in US-South Korea drills, cites Kim ties

US President Donald Trump has directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called the drills costly and said they sent a signal that was "inappropriate and hostile" to a country that had been "unthreatening and respectful" under his presidency. NDTV reported that South Korea's defence ministry said the drills would "proceed as previously notified and scheduled."

News18 reported that Trump claimed he had asked South Korean President Lee Jae Myung if Seoul would join the US in the "denuclearisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran," but said South Korea declined. Trump said cancelling the exercises completely was no longer possible due to their timing. The joint exercises, called "Ulchi Freedom Shield," are scheduled from August 17 to August 27. North Korea has criticised the drills, warning they would increase tensions on the Korean Peninsula.