Trump Pressures South Korea for Higher Military Contributions Amid Joint Exercises

During a military exercise involving members of South Korea's Army Special Warfare Command, U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized the need for South Korea to increase its financial contributions for the protection provided by U.S. forces. Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Trump criticized the current arrangement, suggesting it is unfair that the U.S. heavily subsidizes the military of a successful country like South Korea, which he described as very capable but needing to pay more for the protection it receives.

Trump recounted that he had previously negotiated an agreement that raised South Korea’s financial support for U.S. troops during his tenure, though he claimed the current administration under Joe Biden had canceled that deal. He voiced his perspective that the U.S. should receive $10 billion annually from South Korea for military presence, revealing he secured $3 billion through a simple phone call but noted that discussions for the future were necessary.

The presence of U.S. military personnel, which totals approximately 28,500 troops in South Korea, has its roots in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. South Korea relies on this military support as a deterrent against threats from neighboring nations like China, Russia, and North Korea. In the aftermath of the previous U.S. election, both South Korea and the Biden administration rushed to finalize a new five-year agreement, wherein Seoul agreed to raise its payment towards U.S. troop maintenance by 8.3%, with further increments tied to inflation rates. Trump’s past assertions include claims that he might consider withdrawing U.S. forces if countries such as South Korea do not increase their financial contribution. Nevertheless, the Pentagon dismissed claims that troop withdrawals were being considered as untrue.