Trump’s Order to Cut Military Exercises With South Korea Carries Risks, Experts Say
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-20 04:04:00 — www.nytimes.com
Trump Scales Back U.S.-South Korea Military Drills, Echoes North Korean Talking Points
On President Trump’s orders, the Pentagon has significantly curtailed this year’s joint military exercises with South Korea, scaling back key live-fire components of the Ulchi Freedom Shield drills. The move comes as current and former military officials warn that such reductions are likely to undercut U.S. military readiness in the region, especially at a time when American allies are questioning the administration’s commitment to longstanding partnerships and countering China.
Trump’s decision to reduce the scope of the exercises appears aimed at appeasing North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, who has long condemned the drills as provocative. In a recent social media post, Trump echoed North Korea’s stance, claiming that the country under Kim had been “unthreatening and respectful” during his presidency. This position stands in stark contrast to the reality on the ground: North Korea conducted two ballistic missile tests off its east coast this month and has vowed to respond to perceived threats with increased deterrence.
The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which typically involve 17,000 or more U.S. troops and 50,000 South Korean troops, are designed to ensure the allies’ readiness to repel a North Korean attack. This year, about 18,000 South Korean troops were set to participate, but the Pentagon has not disclosed the number of American troops involved. While both countries maintain that the exercises are defensive, Trump’s alignment with North Korean rhetoric raises concerns among military experts.
This is not the first time Trump has disrupted these critical drills. In 2018, he abruptly canceled the exercises without notifying his own defense secretary, Jim Mattis, in an effort to give nuclear negotiations with North Korea a chance. Those talks ultimately failed, and experts warned then that repeated interruptions would erode military readiness over time.
After Trump’s latest announcement, the Pentagon declined to specify which training events would be canceled or modified. However, former commanders stressed that the most valuable aspects—testing high-level command decisions and conducting large-scale, live-fire troop maneuvers—would be affected. These elements are essential for building competence and confidence among troops, according to retired General Curtis M. Scaparrotti.
In a rambling social media post, Trump also complained that South Korea had not supported his administration in the war against Iran and exaggerated the cost of the exercises, stating, “much of these costs [are] paid for by the United States of America (as usual!).” However, the Pentagon estimated the cost at $6.9 million, with most expenses already incurred, contradicting Trump’s implication that significant savings would result from the changes.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry appeared caught off guard by Trump’s announcement but pledged to continue coordinating with the U.S. on military matters. Meanwhile, Trump has continued to tout his relationship with Kim Jong-un, posting photos of their meetings and stating, “Kim Jong Un and I get along GREAT!” He has also indicated plans to meet with Kim again, though without providing details.
Military analysts and former commanders argue that scaling back these exercises weakens deterrence and could embolden adversaries like North Korea and China. Despite Trump’s assertions and efforts to downplay the risks, experts agree that readiness and alliance cohesion are being put at risk.
In conclusion, Trump’s decision to curtail joint military exercises with South Korea aligns with North Korean demands and is based on exaggerated claims about costs and alliance support. The move has drawn criticism from military leaders who warn it will undermine U.S. preparedness and embolden adversaries, while offering little hope of achieving the diplomatic breakthroughs Trump seeks.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/20/us/politics/trumps-order-military-exercises-risks.html