‘No Thanks’: Trump Links South Korea’s Iran Refusal to Military Drill Cuts

WASHINGTON, Aug 17: US President Donald Trump has instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to “substantially reduce” planned joint military exercises with South Korea, citing the cost of the drills and his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said the exercises sent an “inappropriate and hostile” signal to Pyongyang and argued that the United States bears much of the cost. He said it was too late to cancel the drills entirely but ordered them to be significantly scaled back.

Trump also linked the decision to a separate request he said he had recently made to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, asking whether Seoul would join Washington in efforts to “denuclearize” Iran. According to Trump, South Korea declined, responding, “No thanks.”

The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises began Monday as scheduled, involving about 18,000 South Korean troops and focusing on preparations for potential threats from North Korea.

Trump said his decision was based partly on his “very good relationship” with Kim, describing North Korea as “unthreatening and respectful” during his presidency. The move comes amid continued concerns over Pyongyang’s missile and military capabilities.