Trump wants South Korea to defend itself. His overtures to Kim Jong Un could delay that

President Trump abruptly ordered the Ulchi Freedom Shield drills halved, saying they antagonize Kim Jong Un and cost too much — a move seen as trying to appease North Korea.
The cut could slow Seoul’s push to regain wartime operational control from the US, since the exercises were key for testing South Korea’s readiness and burden‑sharing.
South Korea’s president backs boosting defense spending to 3.5% of GDP and framed the change as peace‑minded, but analysts warn it may weaken deterrence and strain the alliance.