South Korean and US militaries shorten drills by about half after Trump ordered a reduction

Live updates

1. 22d ago

   US, South Korea cut joint drills by half amid Trump cost concerns

   The US and South Korean militaries have reduced the scope and duration of their joint drills by about half, following an order from US President Trump, who has been critical of the costs associated with maintaining a US military presence in South Korea.

   Why it matters

   The reduction in military exercises comes as the US and North Korea are attempting to negotiate a denuclearization deal. The drills are designed to demonstrate the alliance's military readiness. The move has significant implications for regional security and the US-South Korea alliance.

   What is confirmed

   • The US and South Korean militaries have shortened their joint drills by about half following an order from US President Trump.
   • Trump has been critical of the costs associated with maintaining a US military presence in South Korea.
   • Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs on US goods, including steel, dairy products, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics, effective September 8.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The US cancelled joint marine drills with South Korea due to the Iran war.

   What to watch next

   • The implementation of the reduced joint drills
   • The US-South Korea denuclearization negotiations
   • The impact of the reduced drills on regional security
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. jen.jiji.com — Canada announces retaliatory tariffs after talks with US collapse
   2. eu.usatoday.com — US cancels joint marine drills with South Korea due to Iran war
   3. english.elpais.com — Kim Jong-un, the leader Trump seeks out, Putin relies on and Xi doesn’t want to lose
   4. news.sbs.co.kr — Kim Joon-hyung: "Trump Puts North Korea Back on Major Agenda... For Government, Holding Out Well Is Also Moving Forward"
   confidence 90%
2. 27d ago

   US and South Korea cut joint military drills by half

   The US and South Korean militaries have shortened their joint drills by about half following an order from US President Trump. The reduction in military exercises comes as Trump has been critical of the costs associated with maintaining a US military presence in South Korea. The drills, which are designed to demonstrate the alliance's military readiness, were set to be reduced in scope and duration.

   Why it matters

   The decision to shorten the drills has been seen as a concession to North Korea, which has long been critical of the joint military exercises. The move is also part of Trump's broader effort to re-evaluate US military commitments around the world. The reduction in drills has raised concerns among some US lawmakers and military officials about the potential impact on regional security.

   What is confirmed

   • South Korean and US militaries shorten drills by about half after Trump ordered a reduction
   • The drills were designed to demonstrate the alliance's military readiness

   Still unconfirmed

   • Trump wants South Korea to defend itself

   What to watch next

   • The impact of the reduced drills on regional security
   • The response from North Korea to the reduced drills
   • The future of US-South Korea military cooperation
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. Politico — Trump’s threats to Seoul may be worse than their bite
   2. NBC News — U.S.-South Korea joint military drills are cut short after surprise Trump order
   3. The Washington Post — Opinion | Trump inverts his own foreign policy mantra
   4. AP News — South Korean and US militaries shorten drills by about half after Trump ordered a reduction
   5. CNN — Trump wants South Korea to defend itself. His overtures to Kim Jong Un could delay that.
   6. WSJ — After Trump Decree, U.S., South Korea Pare Back Drills That Angered Kim Jong Un
   confidence 90%