Trump orders cuts to South Korea joint drills despite warnings about Kim regime
President Donald Trump has ordered a reduction in joint military drills with South Korea, despite warnings from military officials regarding North Korea's evolving battlefield tactics. The decision follows Trump's claims of a positive personal relationship with Kim Jong-un, sparking debate over regional security.
Why it matters
Scaling back military exercises in a volatile region could alter the balance of power and impact the security of US allies in East Asia.
A North Korean artillery drill carried out for Kim Jong-un in May 2025. A North Korean artillery drill carried out for Kim Jong-un in May 2025. North Korea Trump orders cuts to South Korea joint drills despite warnings about Kim regime President says he ‘gets along great’ with dictator but US officials say Ukraine war is boosting North’s capabilities
Prefer the Guardian on Google Donald Trump has said he is scaling back joint US military drills with South Korea aimed at deterring North Korea, despite military officials from both countries warning that Kim Jong-un’s regime is learning new battlefield tactics from the Ukraine war.
The drills under Ulchi Freedom Shield, one of two major annual exercises held by South Korea and the US, start on Monday and run until 27 August.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in