Trump Orders Major Cut to U.S.-South Korea Military Exercises

On August 16, 2026, President Trump directed the Pentagon to substantially scale back the Ulchi Freedom Shield drills with South Korea. The exercises, involving about 18,000 South Korean troops and personnel from 11 UN Command states, were meant to certify South Korea's wartime operational control. Trump cited his rapport with Kim Jong-un, calling North Korea "unthreatening and respectful."