U.S. Plans Possible Troop Drawdown in South Korea

The Trump administration is reportedly contemplating a significant reduction of U.S. military presence in South Korea, with plans to withdraw approximately 4,500 troops—around one-sixth of the American contingent stationed in the region. This development was first reported by The Wall Street Journal on May 22, 2025, citing sources within the U.S. Defense Department.

The Pentagon is currently formulating a plan to redeploy these troops to various locations in the Indo-Pacific region, including Guam. This move is part of a broader review of U.S. policy toward North Korea, which experts warn could heighten tensions among U.S. allies in Asia and raise concerns about America’s commitment to its security obligations in the region.

The initiative is still in the discussion phase and has not yet been presented to President Trump. According to The Wall Street Journal, the concept emerged during an informal review of U.S. policy regarding the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), initiated following Trump’s inauguration. The presence of approximately 28,000 U.S. troops in South Korea is viewed as vital for deterring threats from North Korea. However, Trump has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the financial burden of maintaining troops abroad, urging South Korea to increase its defense spending.

In 2021, the U.S. and South Korea agreed to a five-year plan to share defense costs, but Trump has suggested that discussions regarding the cost of U.S. military presence could intersect with trade negotiations.

The potential troop reduction has raised alarms in Seoul. The South Korean Defense Ministry has stated that there have been no formal discussions with Washington regarding this matter. A Pentagon spokesperson, responding to inquiries from The Wall Street Journal, reiterated that no policy decisions have been finalized. Meanwhile, Pete Nguyen, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, underscored Trump’s commitment to the “complete denuclearization” of North Korea, while avoiding direct questions about the proposed troop withdrawal.