President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to significantly scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, citing their cost, his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Seoul’s refusal to assist U.S. efforts involving Iran.
Trump Orders Military Drill Cuts
On Sunday, Trump said on Truth Social that he was "not happy" the U.S. had previously agreed to participate in the exercises, arguing they were costly and sent an inappropriate signal to North 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.
He said the exercises were "not only costly," with much of the expense borne by the U.S., but also "send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea.
Trump said it was too late to cancel the drills but that he had instructed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to "substantially reduce" them.
The president also pointed to South Korea’s refusal to join U.S. efforts involving Iran.
"I recently asked the President of South Korea if they would like to join us in the Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they said, ‘No thanks!’" Trump wrote.
US-South Korea Exercises Begin
The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises began Monday as scheduled and are set to run through Aug. 27, with about 18,000 South Korean troops participating, reported Reuters.
The drills include training for drone, cyber and GPS-related threats.
Read Also: Trump Expresses Readiness To Meet With North Korea's Kim: 'I Got Along Very Well With Him'
Kelly Criticizes Trump’s Plan
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) warned that reducing U.S.-South Korea military drills could weaken the allies’ readiness and coordination against North Korea, calling the move "shortsighted and a mistake."
North and South Korea are still technically at war. Our ability to help defend our ally against the North Koreans is because our forces are well trained and able to coordinate with the South Koreans. Hollowing out these joint exercises is shortsighted and a mistake. pic.twitter.com/VLO3t7Ghbf
— Captain Mark Kelly (@CaptMarkKelly) August 16, 2026
Trump, Kim Ties and North Korea’s Weapons
Earlier this year, Kim had overseen a test of an advanced solid-fuel rocket engine as North Korea strengthened its long-range, nuclear-capable weapons program, while criticizing U.S.-South Korea military drills as a "provocative and aggressive" war rehearsal.
Last year, Trump also pushed for the U.S. to resume full-scale nuclear weapons testing, arguing America needed to keep pace with Russia and China.
Previously, Trump described his relationship with Kim as unusually close, saying Kim "fell in love" with him.
Trump also said the "Little Rocket Man" nickname he used for Kim was inspired by Elton John’s song "Rocket Man."
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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