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Trump Orders Scaling Back Ulchi Freedom Shield Exercises

8/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered scaling back of 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises with South Korea because Seoul refused to join his war against Iran and because of his ties to North Korea.
Dan Fried said the move undermines South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and NATO.
Rep. Greg Meeks (D-NY), Ambassador Robert Wood and Matthew Kroenig warned that scaling back the drills weakens deterrence of North Korea and emboldens China and North Korea.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump ordered scaling back of 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises with South Korea because Seoul refused to join his war against Iran and because of his ties to North Korea.
Dan Fried said the move undermines South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and NATO.
Rep. Greg Meeks (D-NY), Ambassador Robert Wood and Matthew Kroenig warned that scaling back the drills weakens deterrence of North Korea and emboldens China and North Korea.