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Trump Cuts Ulchi Freedom Shield Drill, Citing Costs

8/18/2026

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Story summary
  • President Donald Trump posted praising Kim Jong-un and announced a cut to the Ulchi Freedom Shield drill.
  • The reduction, starting this week, aims to cut costs and address Iran’s denuclearisation.
  • The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, thousands of troops, runs through 27 August.
  • Analyst Christian Le Miere called the cut a ‘boon for North Korea,’ while Edward Howell said North Korea wants U.S. nuclear-state recognition, removal of 28,500 troops, and a peace treaty.