Key facts
- The U.S. Defense Department has "no changes" to announce regarding the ongoing South Korea-U.S. military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield.
- President Donald Trump previously announced a directive to "substantially" reduce allied exercises with South Korea.
- Trump cited the exercises as "costly" and sending a "totally inappropriate and hostile" signal to North Korea.
- The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise is intended to strengthen allied capabilities against potential North Korean aggression.
The U.S. Defense Department has indicated that there are currently no changes to announce regarding the ongoing South Korea-U.S. military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield. This statement comes a day after President Donald Trump announced his directive to "substantially" reduce allied exercises with South Korea. Trump had stated in a social media post that the drills are both costly and send an inappropriate signal to North Korea. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, which commenced recently, is designed to enhance the capabilities of the allies in the face of potential North Korean aggression. A Pentagon official confirmed via email that there are no changes to announce at this time and directed further questions regarding Trump's comments or policy direction to the White House, which had not immediately responded to inquiries.