U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to substantially scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, saying the drills are too expensive and send an inappropriate and hostile signal to North Korea. Trump cited his "very good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a factor behind the decision, which he announced on Truth Social on Sunday evening. Pyongyang has long condemned the drills as preparation for an offensive war.
The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises are scheduled to run from August 17 to 27, involving 18,000 South Korean troops.
Trump also linked the move to a recent exchange with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, saying he had asked whether Seoul would join Washington in efforts to denuclearize Iran but received a flat refusal.