Trump Orders Scale-Back of US-South Korean Military Drills Amid North Korea Tensions

President Donald Trump has announced plans to scale back the scope of joint military drills with South Korea, citing his 'good relationship' with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the US military's participation in the Joint Military Exercises, which he claimed were costly and sent an 'inappropriate and hostile' signal.

Trump pointed to his presidency as a period of improved relations with North Korea, saying that during his time in office, the country had been 'unthreatening and respectful' towards the US.

The president acknowledged that it was too late to cancel the exercises, which began on Monday, but ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to reduce their scope.

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Trump's decision appears to be linked to his frustration over South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's refusal to support him in the Iran war.

The annual joint military drill, Ulchi Freedom Shield, is scheduled to run till August 27. North Korea has repeatedly protested against such drills, calling them provocative and a rehearsal for an aggressive war.

Kim Jong Un has expressed a willingness to improve relations with the US, but emphasized the need for Washington to respect North Korea's status as a nuclear power and withdraw its hostile policy towards the country.

Last week, Kim said that if the US abandons its obsession with denuclearizing North Korea and seeks genuine peaceful coexistence, there is no reason for the two countries not to engage in dialogue.