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August 16, 2026

Trump Orders Major Cut to U.S.-South Korea Military Exercises Amid North Korean Missile Tests

  • President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to significantly reduce U.S.-South Korea military exercises, citing high costs and the need to avoid sending hostile signals to North Korea.
  • The upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield military drills, involving 18,000 South Korean troops, will still proceed despite the reduction in other exercises.
  • Trump criticized South Korea for declining to participate in U.S. efforts to denuclearize Iran, linking this to his dissatisfaction with the military exercises.

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