The 11-day drill began Monday with 18,000 South Korean troops, but officials have not said how much will be cut.

By Milosh Potikj | USA Herald

Inside This Report

• President Trump told the Pentagon to cut annual military drills with South Korea.
• Ulchi Freedom Shield began Monday and is scheduled to run through Aug. 27.
• The cut drew criticism after new missile tests by North Korea.

President Donald Trump told the Pentagon to cut joint military drills with South Korea just before the training began Monday. He cited the cost, Seoul’s refusal to help the U.S. against Iran and his ties to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said the drills send a signal that is “totally inappropriate and hostile” toward North Korea. He told Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to cut the training because it was too late to cancel.

Trump also said South Korea rejected a request to join U.S. action against Iran’s nuclear program. Seoul said Monday that it was in talks with Washington about an Iran ceasefire and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Ulchi Freedom Shield Starts as Planned

The 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield drill started as planned and is due to run through Aug. 27. About 18,000 South Korean troops are taking part with U.S. forces and troops from other allies.

Troops will train for drone attacks, cyberattacks and blocked GPS signals. The plan also covers joint command work and field drills for threats from North Korea.

United States Forces Korea says the annual drill tests readiness and helps the two militaries work together. South Korea said training began as planned, but officials had not explained how Trump’s order would change it.

The order came days after North Korea resumed ballistic missile tests. USA Herald previously reported on an earlier launch that raised concern about the country’s growing weapons program.

North Korea has called the latest drills a rehearsal for war and threatened a stronger response. Washington and Seoul say the training is defensive and helps keep the Korean Peninsula secure.

Lawmakers Question the Sudden Cut

Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, a former Navy pilot, called the cut “shortsighted and a mistake.” He warned that smaller drills could leave the two forces less prepared.

The order also marks a quick change in tone from the Pentagon. In May, Hegseth praised South Korea for raising defense spending and taking more responsibility for the peninsula’s safety.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has pushed for new talks with North Korea. His office said it hopes Trump’s ties with Kim could lead to talks between Washington and Pyongyang.

U.S. and South Korean officials must now decide which parts of the drill to cut. Their choice could affect troop readiness, talks with North Korea and trust in one of America’s oldest defense ties in Asia.

Stay Ahead of the Story

Follow major U.S. policy news as it develops. Subscribe to the USA Herald newsletter for breaking news and clear updates.

Follow USA Herald on X: @RealUSAHerald