Seoul: Former President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the current terms of the U.S.-South Korea defense cost-sharing agreement, hinting at a possible renegotiation of the deal if he were to return to office. During a televised town hall event on Fox News, Trump criticized the financial contributions of South Korea to the stationing of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), suggesting that the Asian nation should bear a greater share of the costs.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump misstated the number of USFK troops, claiming that there are 42,000 soldiers, while the actual figure is 28,500. He emphasized that under his administration, he had compelled South Korea to increase their payments, a deal he claims was reversed by President Joe Biden. Trump argued that South Korea, as a wealthy country, should not be exempt from paying more, reflecting his broader stance on international trade and military engagements where he believes America should not be taken advantage of.
The latest Special Measures
Agreement (SMA), which was negotiated and concluded earlier this month, is set to last until 2030. Under this agreement, South Korea’s financial contributions will increase annually, tied to the Consumer Price Index. Specifically, Seoul will pay 1.52 trillion won (US$1.14 billion) in 2026, an increase from 1.4 trillion won in 2025. This agreement was reached after accelerated negotiations that began in April, prompted by concerns over Trump’s previous demands and the potential for a hardline stance on cost-sharing.
In a separate statement, Trump claimed that if he were president, South Korea would be paying $10 billion annually for the USFK, describing the country as a “money machine.” This figure starkly contrasts with the terms agreed upon in the current SMA. An official from Seoul’s foreign ministry responded to Trump’s comments by defending the SMA as a “reasonable outcome” of extensive bilateral negotiations, aimed at fair burden-sharing between the allies.
The renegotiation of the SMA has been a conte
ntious issue, with Seoul and Washington navigating the delicate balance of financial responsibility and strategic military alliance, especially in light of increasing military threats from North Korea. Since 1991, South Korea has contributed to the costs of Korean USFK workers, construction of military facilities, and other logistical support under the SMA.