Harris criticizes Trump tariffs, N. Korea policy, urges stronger S. Korea alliance

Key facts

• Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris criticized President Donald Trump's policies on North Korea and tariffs.
• Harris called for a stronger alliance with South Korea.
• She stated that Trump's economic and foreign policies have undermined Washington's strength in its ties with Seoul.
• Harris cited the scaling back of joint military exercises between Seoul and Washington as a concern.
• She criticized "erratic tariffs and the punitive nature of those" policies.
• Harris advocated for stronger extended deterrence against North Korea, emphasizing allied cooperation.

Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday criticized President Donald Trump's policies on North Korea and tariffs, advocating for a renewed commitment to the South Korea-U.S. alliance. Speaking at a special lecture in Seoul organized by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, Harris stated that Trump's economic and foreign policies have weakened Washington's strength in its ties with Seoul.

Harris expressed disappointment with the change in the strength of shared military exercises between Seoul and Washington, which were scaled back in August at Trump's direction as a conciliatory gesture toward Pyongyang. She noted North Korea's advancement in nuclear capabilities and deepening military ties with Russia.

Criticizing the Trump administration's "erratic tariffs and the punitive nature of those," Harris argued that such policies counteracted strengthening the alliance and America's global standing. She called for a renewal of commitment to South Korea and stronger extended deterrence against North Korea, emphasizing that decisions must be a product of allies coming together. Harris also highlighted the growing alliance between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

On economic ties, Harris praised South Korean companies' contributions and investments in U.S. industries, including shipbuilding, semiconductors, and electric vehicles. She encouraged continued cooperation but questioned the necessity of investments made under pressure, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of trust in relationships. Harris also called for a more strategic approach to trade and closer cooperation with allies to strengthen supply chains and prevent shortages.

Harris' remarks come amid concerns over Seoul-Washington ties, including intelligence sharing constraints and differences over South Korea's planned $350 billion investment in the U.S. in exchange for lower tariffs. She reiterated her belief that the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea remains a linchpin of security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.