South Korea President stresses U.S. alliance as many baffled by Trump order to cut exercises

In North Korea and South Korea around 18 August 2026, Trump made a new overture to Kim Jong Un. Trump said Kim had responded to his request for a conversation, praised Kim as treating him with great respect, and spoke of a 'good relationship'. The Wall Street Journal wrote that Trump is pushing for a meeting with Kim this year. Trump also ordered a reduction of US military drills with South Korea.

South Korea's President Lee said there is 'no intention to attack North Korea' and stressed the alliance with the United States, and the Associated Press wrote that many in South Korea were baffled by the order to cut exercises. Deutsche Welle wrote that the overture raises fears for US alliances, and Clarín linked the turn to Kim to Trump's difficulties in Iran.