South Korea's defense ministry stated on April 30, 2026, that there have been no official discussions with the United States regarding a reduction of the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in the country. This follows comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting a potential reduction of American forces in Germany.
Trump, speaking at a rally in Michigan on April 29, indicated that the U.S. might reduce its military presence in Germany if Berlin does not increase its defense spending. The remarks have sparked speculation that similar pressure could be applied to South Korea, a key U.S. ally in Asia.
Seoul's defense ministry emphasized that the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) remain a critical component of the alliance, and no changes have been proposed. The ministry also noted that South Korea and the U.S. are in regular consultations to maintain readiness against North Korean threats.
Analysts say that while Trump's comments are not official policy, they could signal future negotiations. South Korea currently pays about $1.1 billion annually to support USFK, under a cost-sharing agreement renewed in 2025.
