US-South Korea drills cut short after Trump criticism
US and South Korean military drills have been shortened following criticism from President Donald Trump, who cited his relationship with Kim Jong Un. The decision to scale back the exercises has been framed as a diplomatic gesture despite North Korean objections.
Why it matters
Changes to military readiness exercises in the Korean Peninsula reflect shifting geopolitical priorities and the influence of executive diplomacy on regional security.
North Korea has long voiced outrage at the drills, considering them dress rehearsals for an invasion.
US Army soldiers work on a Stryker armoured vehicle at a US army base near the demilitarised zone separating the two Koreas, in Dongducheon, South Korea, Aug 18, 2026. (Photo: Reuters/Kim Hong-Ji)
SEOUL: Annual war games between South Korea and the United States will end around a week earlier than planned, both countries said on Wednesday (Aug 19), after US President Donald Trump ordered the "inappropriate and hostile" drills scaled back.
Trump said on Sunday that he had told the Pentagon to curtail the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises - a day before they started - citing his "good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
He also praised Kim and criticised Seoul for not supporting his war against Iran.
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