U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. military to significantly reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Trump argued that the exercises are costly for the United States and send an inappropriate and hostile signal toward North Korea.
The move could mark a significant shift in Washington’s military posture on the Korean Peninsula and potentially create new space for diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang.
However, reducing exercises could also raise concerns in Seoul and among U.S. allies about military readiness and deterrence against North Korea.
The decision comes as Trump seeks to leverage his longstanding relationship with Kim Jong Un to reopen dialogue with Pyongyang.
