politics
Trump's move to gut South Korea alliance is ‘inane, haphazard decision’, lawmakers say
US president’s abrupt order to scale back joint exercises with Seoul is meant to ‘flatter’ North Korea’s dictator, top Democrat says
TL;DR
- President Trump ordered a reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing a desire to appease North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
- Lawmakers criticized the decision as "inane," "haphazard," and "shortsighted," warning it jeopardizes the alliance and emboldens adversaries.
- The move is seen as a propaganda victory for North Korea and a potential benefit to Russia, as it could free up North Korean troops.
- Trump also linked the decision to South Korea's refusal to join the US military campaign against Iran.
- The alliance between the US and South Korea dates back to the 1953 Mutual Defense Treaty.