President Trump Directs Defense Department to Scale Back U.S.-South Korea Joint Military Exercises

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to scale back the scope of the annual U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, citing defense spending concerns and diplomatic relationships in the region.

Ulchi Freedom Shield Exercise Modifications

The directive targets the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, an 11-day joint military operation involving approximately 18,000 South Korean military personnel and thousands of American service members across air, land, and naval commands.

"We spend enormous fortunes conducting war games in foreign theaters," President Trump stated on Sunday. "While it is too late to cancel this year's exercises entirely, I have directed the Department of Defense to substantially reduce troop numbers and expenditures."

Regional Security and Allied Responses

South Korea's Ministry of National Defense confirmed on Monday that core computer-simulated command post drills will proceed as planned through August 27, while field training components are being reviewed in coordination with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Pentagon officials noted the exercises were originally designed to simulate multi-domain theater operations and integrate technological battlefield adaptations.

Congressional and Diplomatic Oversight

Members of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees announced plans to review the operational adjustments during upcoming fall defense posture hearings.