Trump orders reduction of military exercises with South Korea

President Trump has ordered the U.S. military to reduce joint exercises with South Korea. He said the drills send signals that are "inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea. Trump called North Korea "unthreatening and respectful," even though the country continues to test missiles and build nuclear weapons. War Secretary Pete Hegseth was told to carry out the cuts, though he could not cancel the exercises completely. The U.S. and South Korea have had a military alliance for 73 years. Democratic senators Jack Reed and Mark Kelly criticised the decision publicly. Some critics said the move punishes South Korea unfairly, because it did not take part in Middle Eastern conflicts. Other allies have questioned whether the U.S. will keep its defence promises in the region.