U.S. military drills with South Korea are cut short after surprise Trump order

Key points

The annual U.S.-South Korea drills, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, will end Aug.

“Associated live-training events have been reduced, with certain events canceled or converted to simulations,” the official said, adding that the…

“There will be no degradation to U.S. training objectives,” the official said.

Trump orders reduction of joint exercises with South Korea.

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Aug. 18, 2026, 9:54 PM EDT / Updated Aug. 19, 2026, 2:12 AM EDT

By Jennifer Jett, Stella Kim and Mosheh Gains

After President Donald Trump, citing his “very good” relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, ordered that they be reduced.

Joint military exercises underway between the United States and South Korea are being cut short, both countries said.

The annual U.S.-South Korea drills, known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, will end Aug. 21 rather than Aug. 27 as originally scheduled, a Defense Department official said.

“Associated live-training events have been reduced, with certain events canceled or converted to simulations,” the official said, adding that the adjustments “preserve essential readiness.”

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Trump orders reduction of joint exercises with South Korea

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