Washington, August 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News) US President Donald Trump has said he instructed Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to “substantially” reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, arguing that the drills are costly and send an “inappropriate and hostile” signal to North Korea.
Trump made the remarks in a post on Truth Social as Seoul and Washington prepared to begin their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which Pyongyang has repeatedly condemned as rehearsals for war.
“Based on my very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, of North Korea, I am not happy with the fact that the United States has, long ago, agreed to participate in Joint Military Exercises with South Korea,” Trump wrote.
He described the exercises as expensive, with much of the cost borne by the US, and said they sent a hostile message to North Korea.
“Based on the fact that it is too late to cancel, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to substantially reduce the Joint Military Exercises!” Trump added.
Trump also referred to a recent conversation with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, saying he had asked whether Seoul wanted to join US efforts to denuclearise Iran. According to Trump, Lee declined.
“While somewhat unrelated, I recently asked the President of South Korea if they would like to join us in the Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they said, ‘No thanks!’” Trump wrote, without providing further details.
The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises are scheduled to take place from August 17 to 27, with around 18,000 South Korean military personnel expected to participate.
Officials said the drills are expected to include exercises designed to counter drones, disrupt GPS signals and respond to cyberattacks, reflecting concerns over North Korea’s evolving military capabilities.
Trump’s comments come amid his stated efforts to maintain dialogue with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and seek a less confrontational approach towards Pyongyang.
FOLLOW NOW
