Trump says US scaling back joint military operations with South Korea - BBC News

Trump cites his "very good relationship" with North Korea's leader in deciding to downsize the exercises.

Image source, Getty ImagesByBrandon Drenon, Reporting fromWashington DC and Jake Kwon, Seoul correspondentPublished16 August 2026Updated 8 hours agoPresident Donald Trump has said the US will "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his "very good relationship" with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un.

He also noted on Truth Social that South Korea had recently declined to join the US in the "denuclearisation" of Iran.

"These exercises are not only costly, with much of these costs paid for by the United States of America (as usual!), but send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile," Trump posted.

Seoul said it was reviewing Trump's comments, adding it hoped a favourable relationship between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks. Pyongyang has not yet commented.

Earlier, South Korea said the drills with the US would proceed "as scheduled".