Analysis
What the administration claimed
At the direction of President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Ulchi Freedom Shield joint exercise was substantially reduced and ended one week early.
Claimant: Department of Defense Defense Department official
Agency or office: Department of Defense
Context
CBS/AP report (Aug. 18, 2026) quoting a Defense Department statement and a South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmation; experts warned the move could harm readiness and the alliance.
Evidence
CBS News reports that a Defense Department official said the joint Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises were "substantially reduced" and would end one week early "at the direction of Mr. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth." South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the reduced timeline came at the request of the U.S. These direct official statements provide strong evidence supporting the proposition.