Despite Trump's order to reduce: the American exercise in South Korea began as planned

The joint military exercise of the US and South Korea began today as planned, despite Trump's order to reduce its scope. Seoul clarified that the exercise will continue according to schedule, while Trump justified his decision by his relations with Kim Jong Un and the cost of the exercises. The exercise includes about 18,000 South Korean soldiers and will last until August 27.

The annual joint military exercise of the United States and South Korea, 'Ulchi Freedom Shield', began today (Monday) as planned, despite the order of US President Donald Trump to the Pentagon to significantly reduce its scope, just hours before its opening. In Seoul, they clarified this morning that the exercise began as planned and will continue according to the set schedule, and that at this stage it is unclear whether the scale of American participation has already been reduced. The South Korean Defense Ministry stated that the exercise 'will take place as reported and planned in advance', and the Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that the forces have begun operations. The presidential office in Seoul announced that it is examining Trump's remarks and will continue to work with the US on the details of the exercise. Trump announced his decision on Truth Social, justifying it by his good relations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, claiming that the exercises are expensive and convey an 'inappropriate and completely hostile message' to Pyongyang. He ordered Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to 'significantly reduce' the scope of the exercise. Trump also linked the move to South Korea's refusal to assist the US in the war against Iran. The exercise, which takes place with the participation of about 18,000 South Korean soldiers alongside American and other forces, is designed to test the ability to deal with a possible attack from North Korea. North Korea condemned the exercise and launched two ballistic missiles in the days preceding it.