'39,000 soldiers guarding you from Kim’: Trump reduces military drills with South Korea over Iran

In South Korea on 18 August 2026, the US and South Korea agreed to cut the length and scope of their joint military drills after an order from Trump. The USFK commander visited the South Korean defense ministry after the order.

Trump's cut to the drills stirred doubts about US resolve in Asia. US allies called cooperation with South Korea 'critical', and South Korean ministers were reported to be treading carefully. Politico linked the scaling back to economic issues, and Der Spiegel reported that Trump is pressing South Korea for more money. The Times of India quoted Trump as saying '39,000 soldiers' are guarding South Korea from Kim.