🏛️ Trump Administration’s Perspective on U.S.-South Korea Relations
The Trump administration viewed U.S.-South Korea relations as strategically important while emphasizing economic benefits and cost-sharing.
Under the "America First" policy, Trump took a transactional approach to alliances, evaluating them based on financial and security contributions.
🔹 The Value of the Security Alliance and Cost-Sharing Controversy
Trump recognized the U.S.-South Korea alliance as a linchpin of Indo-Pacific stability.
During his visit to South Korea in 2017, he emphasized:
📌 "The U.S.-Korea alliance is a pillar of stability based on shared values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law."
However, Trump also argued that South Korea’s defense cost contributions were insufficient, demanding greater financial responsibility.
📉 Defense Cost-Sharing Dispute
✅ Trump labeled South Korea a "money machine", asserting that it should contribute ten times more to defense costs, proposing a $10 billion annual increase.
✅ In 2019, the U.S. demanded $4.7 billion, but negotiations ended in a deadlock.
✅ Trump used the potential withdrawal of U.S. troops from South Korea as leverage, pressuring Seoul to agree to higher payments.
🔺 Trump’s Approach to North Korea
The Trump administration combined maximum pressure and personal diplomacy in its North Korea policy.
In 2018, Trump became the first U.S. president to meet with a North Korean leader, calling it a "historic moment."
📌 "We will engage with North Korea and Kim Jong-un. I had a great relationship with him. Maintaining good relations is not a bad thing but a great asset."
🇰🇵 Key Aspects of Trump’s North Korea Policy
✅ 2018 Singapore Summit → North Korea pledged denuclearization, and the U.S. discussed security guarantees.
✅ Maximum Pressure Strategy Maintained → Economic sanctions continued while diplomatic engagement remained open.
✅ Limited Success → Follow-up summits in Hanoi and Panmunjom failed to produce concrete denuclearization agreements.
⚖️ Defense Cost Negotiations and U.S. Troops in Korea
During the Trump administration, Special Measures Agreement (SMA) negotiations on defense cost-sharing became a major issue in U.S.-South Korea relations.
📌 Trump demanded a drastic increase in South Korea’s contributions.
📌 Initially, the U.S. asked for $5 billion, later lowering the demand to $4.7 billion, but negotiations collapsed.
📌 Trump hinted at reducing U.S. military presence in Korea if the issue remained unresolved.
However, Trump clarified that reducing troops was not the primary goal, stating:
📌 "It’s not about reducing troops but about ensuring that South Korea contributes more to its own defense."
💰 Economic Relations: Trade Disputes and Tariff Policies
Trump applied "America First" principles to U.S.-South Korea economic relations.
📌 "South Korea’s average tariff rate is four times higher than that of the U.S."
📌 "We protect South Korea militarily, yet we face unfair trade practices."
✅ Trump's Perspective on Trade
Trump viewed South Korea as an unfair trade partner, believing that the U.S. was at an economic disadvantage.
🔮 Potential Changes Under a Second Trump Administration
If Trump wins re-election in 2025, U.S.-South Korea relations may see a return to a more transactional approach.
📢 Expert Predictions on Trump 2.0 Policies
✅ Renegotiation of Defense Cost-Sharing Agreement
- The 2024 SMA agreement could be revised.
- John Bolton, former National Security Advisor: "Trump always believes previous deals were bad ones."
✅ Potential Adjustment of U.S. Military Role in Korea
- If defense cost negotiations fail, Trump may use troop reduction as a negotiation tactic.
- However, his main goal is increasing financial contributions, not reducing military presence.
✅ Possible Termination of Biden’s Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG)
- Trump views international security initiatives as inefficient and may cancel existing programs.
📝 Conclusion: Trump's Pragmatic Approach and South Korea’s Challenges
The Trump administration valued the U.S.-South Korea alliance strategically but prioritized economic benefits.
📌 North Korea: Trump engaged in personal diplomacy while maintaining sanctions and pressure.
📌 Defense Costs: The U.S. pushed South Korea to pay significantly more for military support.
📌 Trade Relations: Trump sought to revise economic agreements, arguing that South Korea benefited more.
✅ If Trump returns to office, South Korea must prepare for:
- Higher defense cost-sharing demands
- Potential U.S. troop withdrawal threats
- Trade agreement revisions
- A shift in North Korea policy
Trump’s "America First" approach balances security interests with economic priorities.
To navigate these challenges, South Korea must develop a proactive strategy for defense negotiations, economic cooperation, and alliance management.
