Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is considering the withdrawal of thousands of U.S. troops from South Korea, potentially relocating them to other locations in the Indo-Pacific, including Guam. This development was reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed defense officials. The proposal involves removing approximately 4,500 troops from the current 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), a move that could heighten security concerns in South Korea amid ongoing threats from North Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the idea is part of an informal policy review being prepared for consideration by the U.S. president. The review aims to address the ongoing challenges posed by Pyongyang. Despite this, a Pentagon spokesperson has stated that there are no current policy announcements regarding a potential reduction of USFK troops. Speculation suggests that the Trump administration might be pursuing greater "strategic flexibility" for American troops in South Korea to counter China's assertiveness and to encourage South Korea to increase its defense contributions.
During a recent Senate hearing, key military leaders expressed opposition to the potential troop withdrawal. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo Jr. and USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson both highlighted the risks associated with such a move. Paparo warned that reducing American troop presence could increase the likelihood of a North Korean invasion, while Brunson emphasized the strategic importance of maintaining the current USFK presence.
Adm. Paparo articulated concerns over the potential for increased aggression from North Korea in the absence of U.S. forces on the Korean Peninsula. Gen. Brunson underscored the critical role that USFK troops play in deterring threats from North Korea, Russia, and China, as well as in maintaining regional stability.
Amid President Trump's "America First" agenda, there is ongoing speculation that his administration might consider reducing USFK troop levels as part of a broader effort to scale back costly overseas military commitments. Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby has been a proponent of refocusing USFK resources to address the growing threat posed by China, suggesting that the U.S. should prioritize Chinese deterrence over the North Korean issue.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has tasked Colby with developing a new National Defense Strategy that prioritizes deterring Chinese threats and increasing burden-sharing among allies. If implemented, a reduction in USFK troops could spark controversy in South Korea, potentially signaling a perceived decrease in U.S. commitment to its defense.
South Korea has been actively seeking to enhance security cooperation with the U.S. and Japan in light of North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile capabilities and its deepening military ties with Russia.