Trump Scales Back U.S.–South Korea Joint Military Drills

President Donald Trump ordered a reduction of the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield joint exercises with South Korea, a routine drill that had begun as scheduled. Trump framed the move as a response to Seoul’s refusal to join a U.S. war against Iran and highlighted his personal rapport with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The announcement came on a Sunday, and the specific components being trimmed were not disclosed.

Associated Press

Former diplomats and security analysts warned that the scaling back could weaken deterrence against North Korea and erode confidence in the U.S. security umbrella. “We also don’t want South Korea to draw the conclusion that a nuclear weapons capability is the only guarantee it has to ensure its security,” — Robert Wood, ambassador

Associated Press

Matthew Kroenig noted that U.S. efforts to assure South Korea of its protection are “potentially undermined” by the reduction, especially as polls show growing South Korean support for an independent nuclear arsenal. “The United States has been working really hard to try to persuade South Korea that they are protected,” — Matthew Kroenig

Associated Press

“They are hoping that the American umbrella is there for the future,” — Charles Kupchan

Associated Press

Dan Fried, a former assistant secretary of state, argued that the decision “makes no sense” on all levels, undermining South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, NATO and emboldening China and North Korea. “There is no American interest that I can see in this,” — Dan Fried, an assistant secretary of state for European affairs in the George W

Associated Press

“If these things grow in frequency and in importance, obviously we will be in the process of taking apart the alliance system, which has served us so well since the end of World War II,” — John Herbst, a former ambassador to Ukraine under President George W

Associated Press

Democratic lawmakers condemned the shift. Rep.

Associated Press

• “There is no American interest that I can see in this,” — Dan Fried, an assistant secretary of state for European affairs in the George W

Associated Press

• “We also don’t want South Korea to draw the conclusion that a nuclear weapons capability is the only guarantee it has to ensure its security,” — Robert Wood, ambassador

Associated Press

• “The United States has been working really hard to try to persuade South Korea that they are protected,” — Matthew Kroenig

Associated Press

• “They are hoping that the American umbrella is there for the future,” — Charles Kupchan

Associated Press

• “NATO is building up, South Korea is building up, Japan is building up. Trump has a problem with taking the win,” — Dan Fried, an assistant secretary of state for European affairs in the George W

Associated Press

• “If these things grow in frequency and in importance, obviously we will be in the process of taking apart the alliance system, which has served us so well since the end of World War II,” — John Herbst, a former ambassador to Ukraine under President George W

Associated Press