Trump Voices Discontent with South Korea's Lack of Support... Mentions US Troops in Korea

AP Yonhap News

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with South Korea on the 1st (local time), stating that he would leave the issue of managing the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently under blockade by Iran, to Europe and Asia. He criticized South Korea for not cooperating with the request to dispatch troops.

During an Easter luncheon held at the White House, President Trump commented on the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, saying, "Let Europe handle it, let South Korea handle it," and implied that this was not an American problem.

He went on to say, "(South Korea) hasn't been helpful to us," adding, "Even though we have 45,000 troops stationed right next to nuclear-armed North Korea in a dangerous region." While the actual number of U.S. troops in South Korea is known to be 28,500, President Trump once again cited an inflated figure. His remarks are interpreted as expressing frustration over South Korea's lack of cooperation with requests such as sending naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump further added, "Let Japan handle it. They get 90% of their oil from the Strait of Hormuz. Let China handle it. Let them do it."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.