Kathmandu— Former President Donald Trump is facing criticism from both Democrats and Republicans following his announcement that he directed the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. Democratic lawmakers accuse him of abandoning allies, while Republican Senator Thom Tillis argues the move allows North Korea to provide increased support to Russia in its war with Ukraine. Trump justified the decision by citing a desire to maintain relations with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and expressing frustration that Seoul declined to participate in a potential US-Israel conflict with Iran.

Bipartisan Rebuke From Lawmakers

Several Democratic senators have voiced strong opposition to Trump’s decision. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, labeled the move “inane,” asserting that it undermines America's commitments and sends a troubling signal to adversaries. Senator Andy Kim criticized the unilateral nature of the announcement, stating decisions about joint exercises should be made collaboratively with allies. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal characterized the decision as “dangerous” for regional stability.

Justification Based on North Korea and Iran

Trump defended his policy shift by referencing his relationship with Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s refusal to join a potential conflict involving Iran. He claimed he asked the President of South Korea to participate in denuclearizing Iran, but was rebuffed. Trump frequently frames efforts regarding Iran as focused on denuclearization, despite Tehran's assertions that it does not possess nuclear weapons. The former president previously held three summits with Kim between 2018 and 2019, though those talks ultimately failed to achieve a diplomatic breakthrough or the stated goal of North Korean denuclearization.

Strategic Shift and Regional Implications

The reduction in military exercises comes as the US has begun shifting its foreign policy focus away from the Asia-Pacific region towards the Western Hemisphere. This change, initially outlined in Trump’s National Security Strategy last year, has been further complicated by the ongoing war in Iran, straining US military and diplomatic resources. The decades-long defense partnership between the US and South Korea is considered a key element of security in the Indo-Pacific region, formalized through the 1953 Mutual Defence Treaty.

Republican Concerns Over Russian Support

Senator Thom Tillis offered rare Republican criticism of Trump’s decision, arguing it will allow North Korea to increase its support for Russia amid the war in Ukraine. He highlighted South Korea's military capabilities and suggested reducing joint exercises frees up North Korean troops to assist Putin’s forces, accusing them of committing atrocities against Ukrainian citizens.

The move has prompted debate over US foreign policy priorities and the strength of alliances in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. Further scrutiny from Congress is expected as lawmakers assess the potential consequences for regional security and international relations.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.