Trump Scales Back U.S.-South Korea War Practice Drills

On August 16, 2026, President Trump ordered the Pentagon to greatly reduce joint military practice drills with South Korea. About 18,000 South Korean troops and personnel from 11 UN Command countries take part. The drills were designed to prove South Korea could lead its own forces in a war. Trump pointed to his "very good relationship" with Kim Jong-un, saying North Korea was "unthreatening and respectful."