Lawmakers blast Trump's 'reckless' move to weaken US-South Korea alliance

Senior US lawmakers have condemned President Donald Trum…

Senior US lawmakers have condemned President Donald Trump's sudden decision to reduce military exercises with South Korea as 'reckless' and 'short-sighted', warning it could undermine global security and embolden adversaries. The move, which comes just days after North Korea's latest missile tests, has sparked bipartisan concern over the future of the 73-year-old alliance.

The president's directive to the Pentagon to scale back joint drills was announced without prior consultation with allies or Congress, catching many officials off guard. Trump cited his 'excellent relationship' with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as justification, despite the fact that these very exercises are designed to deter the nuclear-armed regime.

Democratic leaders were particularly vocal in their criticism, with one senior figure describing the decision as 'haphazard' and driven by a desire to 'flatter' the North Korean dictator. They argued that such unilateral actions erode trust among allies and send a dangerous signal to adversaries that the US commitment to regional security is wavering.

Defense experts have also expressed alarm, noting that

Defense experts have also expressed alarm, noting that the reduction in training could diminish the combat readiness of US and South Korean forces. This comes at a time when North Korea continues to advance its missile and nuclear programs, posing a direct threat to regional stability and US interests.

The decision also carries broader geopolitical implications, with lawmakers warning that it could weaken the international coalition supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. By appearing to retreat from its commitments in Asia, the US risks encouraging similar actions in Europe, they say.

Critics are now calling on the administration to reverse course and reaffirm its steadfast support for the South Korean alliance. They emphasize that maintaining a strong deterrent is essential not only for the Korean Peninsula but for the broader rules-based international order that the US has long championed.