US President Donald Trump has demanded $10 billion from South Korea to cover the cost of military protection, speaking during a press conference at the White House.
Trump criticized South Korea while recalling details of a conversation with the country's president, during which Washington requested assistance in the war with Iran. South Korea refused the request.
Following the refusal, Trump questioned whether the US should continue providing military assistance to South Korea, noting that defending the East Asian nation costs billions of dollars. He reminded his counterpart that 39,000 American soldiers are currently stationed in South Korea to protect the country from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Discussions with North Korea
Trump also addressed diplomatic relations with North Korea, stating that Kim Jong Un had already responded to his proposal to hold talks. When a journalist asked why the North Korean leader had not publicly commented on the call for a conversation, Trump asked how the reporter knew Kim had not replied.
The US president confirmed he had received a response from Pyongyang, though he declined to provide further details about the message. He assured reporters that he maintains a good relationship with Kim, stating that they understand one another.
Trump added that Kim did not like former US presidents Joe Biden or Barack Obama, but gets along very well with him and has always treated him with great respect.
Military alliance and joint exercises
The defense foundation between Washington and Seoul is anchored by the Mutual Defense Treaty, which was signed in 1953 following the conclusion of the Korean War. The agreement obligates both nations to provide mutual assistance if either faces an armed attack by external forces on the Korean Peninsula.
Despite the historic alliance, Trump revealed that he instructed US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to significantly scale back upcoming joint military exercises with South Korea. He explained that because the drills were scheduled to run from August 17 to August 27, it was too late to cancel them completely, prompting the decision to cut their scope instead.
Trump cited his positive personal relationship with Kim Jong Un as the motivation for downsizing the joint military maneuvers.
North Korean nuclear warning
North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, condemned the planned joint military exercises between Washington and Seoul, accusing the United States of provoking a new nuclear arms race.
Pyongyang opposed the joint military drills shortly after conducting another missile test. Officials in Pyongyang stated that North Korea reserves the right to strengthen its own military potential in response to external security threats.
