Trump Orders Pentagon to Reduce South Korea Military Drills
President Trump ordered the Pentagon to scale back drills with South Korea. The drills are called Ulchi Freedom Shield.
They involve about 18,000 South Korean troops and start Monday. Officials call the drills defensive readiness training.
Trump said he told Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to reduce them. He cited the drills' cost.
He said they send North Korea a hostile signal. Trump called that signal "totally inappropriate and hostile." Trump said South Korea declined to help denuclearize Iran.
The decision followed South Korea's refusal to aid his Iran effort. Trump said North Korea "has been unthreatening and respectful" during his presidency.
He said it was too late to fully cancel the drills. So he ordered a big cut instead.
North Korea resumed missile tests days earlier and threatened stern measures Friday. The drills aim to improve joint readiness with precision targeting and maneuvers. They are among the largest annual military drills in the region.
Key Terms 3
- Ulchi Freedom Shield A yearly joint military exercise between the US and South Korea.
- Secretary of War The current US title for the top defense leader.
- denuclearize To remove or give up nuclear weapons.