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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 17, 2026Miami-Dade

President Trump orders Pentagon to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea

President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to scale back annual joint military exercises with South Korea. The decision follows the President's stated rationale regarding South Korea's lack of assistance in the conflict with Iran and his diplomatic relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

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Why It Matters

This directive alters the scale of long-standing military cooperation between the United States and South Korea, impacting regional defense readiness and diplomatic posture in the Pacific.

Key Facts

  • President Trump ordered the Pentagon to scale back annual joint military exercises with South Korea.
  • The President cited South Korea's decision not to assist in the war against Iran as a factor.
  • The President cited his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a factor.
  • The order was issued on Sunday.

Who's Mentioned

personKim Jong Un“Leader of North Korea”organizationPentagon“U.S. Department of Defense”other18,000“Number of South Korean soldiers involved in the exercises”locationSouth Korea“U.S. ally”locationIran“Country involved in a conflict cited as a reason for the decision.”personMark Kelly“Democratic Senator”personPete Hegseth“Secretary of War”locationNorth Korea“Regional adversary”personDonald Trump“President of the United States”