# US-North Korea diplomatic relations and military policy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-north-korea-diplomatic-relations-and-military-policy
> Updated: 2026-08-18T01:00:33.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

US President Donald Trump has reported a “very positive” rapport with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, claiming that Kim has treated him with “great respect” and has responded to requests for dialogue. Trump indicated that their relationship is intended to make the Korean Peninsula safer.

As a result of this relationship and his dissatisfaction with previous policies, Trump has ordered a substantial reduction in the scale of joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. He characterized previous joint drills as “totally inappropriate and hostile” toward North Korea.

While Trump has moved to reduce these maneuvers, South Korean officials have stated they are maintaining close coordination with the United States to ensure a solid defense posture, noting that routine exercises such as the Ulchi Freedom Shield are currently underway.

## Claims

- The scale of US-South Korea joint military exercises has been ordered to be significantly reduced. (disputed by 2 sources)
- The US and South Korea have initiated the Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) routine joint exercises. (disputed)
- Kim Jong Un has responded to requests for dialogue. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The progress of dialogue with North Korea is very positive. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- South Korea refused to assist the United States in military operations regarding Iran. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- South Korea is coordinating with the US to maintain defense postures and military training. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Donald Trump claims Kim Jong Un responded to dialogue requests

Donald Trump claims Kim Jong Un has responded to dialogue requests, describing progress as “very positive,” while criticizing South Korea for refusing to assist US military operations in Iran.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-claims-kim-jong-un-responded-to-dialogue-requests

### 2026-08-17: Donald Trump claims positive rapport with Kim Jong Un

President Donald Trump claims a positive relationship with Kim Jong Un and has ordered a substantial reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, calling the drills “hostile” to North Korea.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-claims-positive-rapport-with-kim-jong-un

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Cite as: US-North Korea diplomatic relations and military policy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-north-korea-diplomatic-relations-and-military-policy