Trump orders Pentagon to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea
President cites Seoul's refusal to help denuclearize Iran and his 'very good relationship' with Kim Jong Un.
President Donald Trump said Sunday that he ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to substantially reduce the annual U.S.-South Korea military exercises. He cited their cost, Seoul’s refusal to help denuclearize Iran, and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Trump's stated reasons for the drawdown:
- South Korea declined Trump's request to help the U.S. denuclearize Iran
- The exercises are 'costly, with much of these costs paid for by the United States'
- The drills send an 'inappropriate and hostile' signal to North Korea
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