Fox News
Trump orders major cut to US-South Korea drills as North Korea ramps up missile tests
Sunday, August 16, 2026
President Trump ordered the Pentagon to reduce the scope of Ulchi Freedom Shield, the annual joint military exercises conducted by the United States and South Korea, according to reporting on the order. The exercises have been held annually since 1976. North Korea has conducted multiple missile tests in recent weeks, according to U.S. and South Korean defense officials.
