Trump Orders Reduction in U.S.-South Korea Joint Military Exercises
President Trump has directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to significantly decrease U.S. joint military exercises with South Korea, expressing dissatisfaction with the long-standing agreements to participate in these drills.
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 16, 2026 —
President Donald Trump has ordered a significant reduction in the scope of joint military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea. The directive was issued to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The President has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing and long-standing agreements to participate in these large-scale drills. The specifics of the reduction, including the exact number of exercises to be curtailed or the extent of personnel and equipment involved, were not immediately available.
U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises have been a cornerstone of the alliance between the two nations for decades, designed to enhance readiness and deter potential threats on the Korean Peninsula. These drills often involve tens of thousands of American and South Korean troops, along with sophisticated military hardware.
The decision comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and negotiations related to North Korea’s nuclear program. While the exact reasoning behind the President’s directive was not detailed, it aligns with previous statements and actions suggesting a desire to reassess costly military commitments and explore alternative diplomatic solutions.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s role in implementing this order is central. Further details regarding the timeline for these changes and the precise modifications to the exercise schedule are expected to emerge as the Department of Defense processes the directive.
Story summarized from the original created by Mallory Wilson on thehill.com, see more information here.
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