Trump: ”South Korea is a wealthy country” - Calls for defense budget renegotiations

US President Trump has suggested that he may withdraw US troops from South Korea if South Korea does not contribute more to its defense costs. If President Trump wins reelection in November,
It is expected that they will once again enter into tough negotiations to raise defense spending. On the 30th (local time), according to the US weekly magazine Time, former President Trump said in an interview, "We are in a dangerous
"We have 40,000 soldiers (actually 28,500) in that position, but that's impossible. Why would we defend others?" he said. "We're talking to a very wealthy South Korea right now."
The United States and South Korea regularly sign a Special Measures Agreement (SMA) to determine the costs that South Korea must pay in relation to the cost of stationing US troops in South Korea.
In his first term in 2019, he demanded an increase in defense spending that was nearly six times the amount of the previous year's contribution, and pressured the government to increase it.
The defense cost negotiations could not be concluded during the Trump administration, but were concluded after the Biden administration took office. The current agreement is set to expire at the end of next year, but the United States and South Korea are looking to start negotiations soon.
This is because if President Trump is elected, defense cost negotiations may become more difficult. However, even if the new negotiations are concluded this time, renegotiations may be required if the Trump administration takes office for a second term.
The former president also called on NATO nations to increase their defense spending. "If you don't pay, we'll pay you," he said.
you're on your own."