Trump Cites Kim Jong Un Ties in Push to Reduce South Korea Military Drills

President Donald Trump said Sunday that he has instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to substantially reduce upcoming U.S.-South Korea military exercises, arguing that the drills send a message that is "hostile" to North Korea despite his longstanding relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he was "not happy" that the United States had agreed to participate in joint military exercises with South Korea and described the drills as costly and unnecessary.

"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.

The president said he had instructed Hegseth to "substantially reduce" the exercises, though he added it was "too late to cancel" them altogether.

Newsweek reached out to the Pentagon and the White House on Sunday.

Why It Matters

Trump's comments touch on one of the most sensitive issues in Northeast Asian security. Annual military exercises between the United States and South Korea are intended to improve readiness between the allies and deter potential aggression from North Korea. Pyongyang has long condemned such drills as rehearsals for invasion and has frequently responded with threats, missile launches or military demonstrations.

What Trump Said

Trump framed his position largely around his personal diplomacy with Kim, whom he met three times during his first term. The president argued that North Korea has been "unthreatening and respectful" during his presidency and suggested the exercises send the wrong signal.

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

Trump also referenced a recent conversation with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, claiming he had asked Lee whether South Korea wished to participate in efforts related to the denuclearization of Iran. Trump said Lee replied, "No thanks."

It was not immediately clear whether the Pentagon plans to alter the upcoming Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises in response to Trump's comments.

North Korea Has Long Opposed the Drills

North Korea's Foreign Ministry warned that Pyongyang was prepared to defend itself with "the most powerful and overwhelming force" and accused Washington of seeking military dominance on the peninsula.

Tensions Have Been Rising

South Korea said Sunday that its military fired warning shots after North Korean soldiers crossed the military demarcation line separating the two countries, prompting the troops to return.

On Saturday, Trump posted a photograph of himself with Kim on Truth Social and wrote that the two "get along GREAT," comments that came as North Korea criticized the upcoming military exercises.