Blue House: "No Discussions on Reduction or Withdrawal of U.S. Troops in Korea" in Response to Trump's Consideration of Reducing U.S. Forces in Germany

"We Are Closely Monitoring the United States' Review of Its Global Military Posture"

The Blue House has stated that, in relation to U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about considering a reduction of U.S. forces stationed in Germany, "there are currently no discussions between South Korea and the United States regarding a reduction or withdrawal of U.S. troops stationed in Korea."

On the 29th, when President Lee Jae-myung went to the Blue House, marking the official start of the Blue House era again after 3 years and 7 months, a phoenix flag was hoisted at the Blue House in Seoul. 2025.12.29 Photo by Jo Yongjun

Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung said during a briefing that, when asked about President Trump's comments, "Our government is closely monitoring the United States' review of its global military posture and the possibility of changes," and made this statement.

She added, "The government is working closely with the U.S. side to ensure the stable stationing of U.S. forces in Korea and to contribute to a robust South Korea-U.S. combined defense posture."

Previously, on the 29th (local time), President Trump wrote on Truth Social, "The United States is looking at the possibility of reducing its forces in Germany," and added, "A decision will be made soon." President Trump did not provide further details such as the number of troops under consideration for reduction.

Back in March, President Trump had also criticized allies for "not helping when needed" when several countries declined or responded cautiously to requests for warships to be dispatched to the Strait of Hormuz. In particular, President Trump publicly expressed his dissatisfaction, citing that senior German officials had responded to U.S. requests for support by saying, "The Iran war is not our war."

Previously, in 2021, former President Trump announced a plan to reduce the number of U.S. troops stationed in Germany from 36,000 to 24,000. The plan involved relocating 5,600 troops to other parts of Europe and returning 6,400 troops to the United States. Former President Trump also exercised his veto against the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2021, citing provisions that restricted the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Germany and Afghanistan.

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