Trump Orders Cut to U.S.-South Korea Military Exercises, Citing Kim Ties

Trump Orders Cut to U.S.-South Korea Military Exercises, Citing Kim Ties

Trump directs Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to substantially reduce joint drills with South Korea, saying the exercises send a hostile signal to North Korea.

Richard Miniter
First Published: August 16, 2026, 1:16 PM ET

Donald J. Trump, the U.S. president, ordered a substantial reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, saying the drills send a hostile signal to North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong Un.