Trump Signals Possible Cut to U.S. Forces in Germany; Cheong Wa Dae Says No Talks on USFK

Whether President Donald Trump will move to cut United States Forces Korea (USFK) has emerged as a major point of interest. Concerns are growing that his direct announcement of an imminent reduction in United States Forces in Germany could also affect USFK. Trump has previously warned of retaliatory measures after NATO, South Korea, Japan and others rejected his request to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz.
On the 30th, the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea denied the possibility of any talks on reducing USFK, saying, "There have been no discussions at all between South Korea and the United States on the issue." Cheong Wa Dae (the Blue House) took the same position. In a briefing that day, senior spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong said, "The government is working closely with the U.S. side so that USFK can maintain a stable presence and contribute to the strong combined defense posture of South Korea and the United States." She added, "There are currently no discussions whatsoever between the two countries on reducing or withdrawing USFK."
Despite South Korea's position, concerns are expected to continue, as the Trump administration has been pushing to reorganize U.S. troops stationed overseas amid changes in domestic and foreign security policy.
On the 29th local time, Trump said on Truth Social, "We are reviewing the possibility of reducing U.S. troops in Germany and will make a decision soon." About 36,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Germany. As a result, the strategy for keeping 28,500 USFK troops on the Korean Peninsula is expected to face inevitable change.
Efforts to streamline USFK have focused on reducing troop numbers while maximizing military capabilities by introducing cutting-edge weapons and technology. The move is tied to the United States' Indo-Pacific Strategy to counter China. For that reason, a reduction in USFK is seen as only a matter of time.
Plans are already under way to reduce some air assets at the USFK base in Pyeongtaek and replace them with modern alternative forces such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
However, any real reduction in USFK would also have to pass through US Congress. If the U.S. administration wants to cut USFK, it must comply with the budget and reporting conditions set by Congress. In practice, congressional approval would be required, or at least the move would have to survive congressional oversight. Even if Trump tried to reduce USFK unilaterally, Congress could strongly restrict the effort through budget limits and reporting obligations.
Domestic political forces are clashing over changes to the role and size of USFK. On the 28th, President Lee Jae Myung said, "Why do we feel anxious that self-defense would be difficult without foreign troops?" He added that South Korea's defense capability ranks fifth in the world and is at a substantial level. As commander-in-chief of the armed forces, he expressed confidence that security could be maintained even if USFK were reduced. However, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk said the president's remarks ignored the reality of security on the Korean Peninsula.
Through Facebook, Jang said, "Russia, which is effectively in a blood alliance with North Korea, is second. China, which would be the first to help if war breaks out, is third. North Korea even has nuclear weapons." He added, "If USFK leaves, foreign investment will pull out first. To fill the gap left by USFK, we would have to sharply raise defense spending and extend the service period for young people." The Democratic Party of Korea, meanwhile, pushed back, saying Jang was stoking security fears. The party said, "Ignoring the rapidly changing international situation and the security reality of the Republic of Korea, Jang has revealed a submissive view of security that relies only on the alliance."
rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo Kim Kyung-min Lee Jong-yoon Reporter