Trump says US scaling back military drills with South Korea, citing "very good" relationship with Kim Jong Un
President Trump has ordered a reduction in joint military drills with South Korea, citing his positive relationship with Kim Jong Un. The decision comes despite South Korea's intent to proceed with the scheduled exercises.
Why it matters
This move signals a shift in US-North Korea diplomatic strategy and impacts regional security dynamics in East Asia.
US President Donald Trump's announcement comes a day before the start of the annual drills in South Korea, which Pyongyang has decried as dress rehearsals for an invasion.
United States President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the David S Mack Center for Training and Intelligence in Garden City, New York, on Aug 14, 2026. (File photo: Reuters/Ken Cedeno)
US President Donald Trump said "inappropriate and hostile" military drills with South Korea designed to prepare for a possible attack by the North would be scaled back hours before they started on Monday (Aug 16).
Trump cited his "good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as he said he was unhappy about the drills that were designed to prepare for a possible attack by Pyongyang.
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