President Trump tweeted the reason he does not want to conduct joint exercises with Korea is to save hundreds of millions of dollars for the US. He added that at this time, reducing tensions with the DPRK is a good thing.

A series of smaller drills will take place instead beginning Monday. North Korea has long regarded the US-South Korea drills as preparations for an invasion. Defense ministers from the US and South Korea agreed on Saturday to cancel the Foal Eagle and Key Resolve exercises.