Trump orders cutback in U.S.-South Korea military drills
Posted on 2026-08-17 16:48:14
U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, saying the drills are too costly and send a hostile signal to North Korea.
The order came just hours before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises were due to begin.
South Korea's military says the drills started as scheduled today and are set to run through August 27, involving about 18-thousand South Korean troops.
Trump also criticized Seoul for declining to join U.S. military action related to Iran.
South Korea's presidential office says it is reviewing Trump's comments and will continue coordinating with Washington on their joint defense posture.
North Korea has repeatedly condemned the exercises and has fired two ballistic missiles since August 6.
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