Trump announces reduction of US‑South Korea joint military drills

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will “substantially reduce” the joint military exercises it conducts with South Korea, stating that the decision reflects his “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The comment was made during a press briefing in Washington, where Trump emphasized diplomatic engagement with Pyongyang as a priority for regional stability.

The proposed scaling back would affect the annual Freedom Shield and Foal Eagle drills, which have involved thousands of troops and a range of land, sea, and air operations since the Korean War armistice. U.S. officials have not provided a timeline for the reduction, and South Korean defense authorities have indicated that any changes will be coordinated through existing bilateral agreements. Analysts note that the move marks a shift from the heightened joint training posture adopted in recent years, and the administration has indicated that it will continue to monitor security conditions on the peninsula while pursuing diplomatic channels with North Korea.