Fox News
South Korean president jumps to invest in military after Trump cuts joint exercises
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for strengthened independent military capabilities after U.S. President Trump ordered reductions to the Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. The Ulchi Freedom Shield is an annual combined training operation conducted by the two countries. Lee's statement followed the announcement of the exercise cuts.
