- South Korean officials are looking for clarification on comments President Donald Trump made about the status of US troops in the country.
- During a speech, Trump referenced what he called the US's "big trade deficit" and its military presence in South Korea, prompting speculation over whether he was considering a withdrawal of US troops.
- White House officials flatly denied the suggestion.
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South Korean officials seek clarification after reports suggested Trump was considering pulling US troops out of the country
White House officials flatly denied the suggestion.
South Korean officials reportedly sought clarification on some comments President Donald Trump made that generated speculation over whether the US would pull troops out of South Korea over a "big trade deficit."
The officials reportedly made several phone calls to the US State Department and Pentagon after Trump referenced the US's military presence in South Korea, and mentioned what he believed was a trade deficit, according to a Washington Post report published on Thursday.
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A White House official said that Trump "
Trump's comments come a week after a South Korean delegation visited Washington to discuss several issues, including the renewal of the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) and the upcoming summits with North Korea. Trump previously called KORUS a "horrible" trade deal and vowed to renegotiate or terminate it.
South Korean lawmakers were also cringing after Trump imposed steep tariffs on steel and aluminum imports earlier this month. South Korea, the third largest exporter to the US, will see a 25% tariff on steel, and a 10% tariff on aluminum.
In addition to the recent tariffs, South Korean companies, like LG and Samsung, were also hit by unilateral US tariffs on imported washing machines and solar panels in January.
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