A Pentagon official declined to comment on potential cuts to the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea amid renewed concerns. The response followed U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement reviewing troop reductions in Germany. South Korea's defense ministry stated no such discussions are underway between Seoul and Washington.
A Pentagon official told Yonhap News Agency via email on April 30 that "the Department does not comment on potential force posture adjustments. U.S. forces in Korea remain focused on deterrence and readiness." The official added, "Our commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea is unwavering, and the Alliance continues to underpin stability on the (Korean) Peninsula."
President Donald Trump said in a social media post the previous day that his administration is "studying and reviewing" a possible troop reduction in Germany, with a decision over "the next short period of time." This followed a Wall Street Journal report that the U.S. is considering punishing NATO members perceived as unhelpful during the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran.
A South Korean defense ministry official stated, "There have been no discussions at all between South Korea and the United States on the reduction of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK)." The official emphasized USFK's mission to deter North Korean aggression through a robust combined defense posture with South Korean forces. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung echoed that no discussions on reducing or withdrawing USFK are underway.
Seoul and Washington are working to "modernize" their alliance, which analysts say could lead to USFK posture adjustments for greater operational flexibility. Last year, The Wall Street Journal reported considerations to pull out roughly 4,500 USFK troops to other Indo-Pacific locations, but the Pentagon dismissed it as "not true." USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson recently told a Senate hearing that capabilities matter more than troop numbers.
