Trump orders Pentagon to scale back South Korea joint military drills

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he has directed the Pentagon to reduce what he described as “inappropriate and hostile” joint military exercises with South Korea. In a statement, Trump asserted that the South Korean government had not contributed to the United States’ campaign against Iran and emphasized his “good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un as a factor influencing the decision.

The order calls for a scaling back of the annual combined drills that have been a staple of the U.S.–South Korea alliance for decades, prompting officials in Seoul to seek clarification on the specific changes to be implemented. While the administration highlighted concerns over the exercises’ impact on regional stability, defense analysts noted that the move could affect interoperability and deterrence posture amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the broader Middle East. The Pentagon is expected to issue detailed guidance in the coming days.