Ex-Colonel warns Trump’s Korea drill cuts could strain alliance

Retired Air Force Col. Cedric Leighton says President Trump’s order to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea could hurt the U.S.–South Korea alliance and give North Korea a strategic edge, arguing the drills are critical for joint defense. He also notes Seoul helps pay for much of the exercises and troop upkeep, countering the president’s portrayal of the drills as costly and hostile.