SUNTV Global Channel | August 17, 2026
United States President Donald Trump has ordered a substantial reduction in joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, citing his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Trump said he was unhappy that the US had previously agreed to participate in the exercises, arguing that the drills are costly and could send what he described as an inappropriate and hostile message to North Korea.
In a statement posted on his official social media account, Trump said the exercises require significant financial contributions from the United States and claimed that North Korea had remained “unthreatening and respectful” during his presidency.
According to the US president, it was already too late to cancel the exercises completely. He therefore directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to substantially scale down the military drills.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted his personal relationship with Kim Jong Un, presenting his past diplomatic engagements with the North Korean leader as an avenue for reducing tensions between Washington and Pyongyang.
The US-South Korea military exercises have traditionally been conducted to strengthen military readiness and improve the allies’ ability to respond to potential threats on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea, however, has consistently condemned the drills as provocative and has described them as preparations for possible military action.
The development comes amid continued tensions surrounding North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes. In March, North Korea launched more than 10 ballistic missiles into the sea, according to South Korean military officials. The launches occurred around the time of the annual US-South Korea military exercises.
The United States currently maintains approximately 28,500 troops in South Korea, alongside fighter aircraft and other military assets.
Trump also revealed that he recently asked South Korea’s president whether the country would join the United States in efforts concerning the denuclearisation of Iran. According to Trump, South Korea declined the proposal.
The latest directive to reduce the joint exercises could have significant implications for the longstanding US-South Korea security partnership, particularly as Washington continues to balance military readiness with Trump’s efforts to maintain diplomatic relations with Pyongyang.
Reporting: SUNTV Global Channel
