Trump’s move to gut South Korea alliance is ‘inane, haphazard decision’, lawmakers say
President Trump has ordered a reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his relationship with Kim Jong-Un. Lawmakers have criticized the move as a haphazard decision that undermines a long-standing alliance and potentially benefits geopolitical rivals.
Why it matters
This decision marks a significant shift in US foreign policy and defense strategy in the Indo-Pacific region, raising concerns about regional security and the stability of the US-South Korea alliance.
US soldiers are seen near military vehicles at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek on 17 August 2026./Getty Images US soldiers are seen near military vehicles at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek on 17 August 2026./Getty Images US foreign policy Trump’s move to gut South Korea alliance is ‘inane, haphazard decision’, lawmakers say US president’s abrupt order to scale back joint exercises with Seoul is meant to ‘flatter’ North Korea’s dictator, top Democrat says
Prefer the Guardian on Google Donald Trump’s move to gut Washington’s 73-year-old military alliance with Seoul has been called “inane” and “shortsighted” as lawmakers warned it risked strengthening Russia’s hand in Ukraine.
The US president abruptly ordered the Pentagon to scale back joint exercises with South Korea just days after North Korea test-fired ballistic missiles, justifying the decision by citing his “very good relationship” with Kim Jong-Un, the nuclear-armed dictator such exercises exist to deter.
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