In a recent social media post, former President Donald Trump expressed his alarm with the message: “WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOUTH KOREA?” His comments come at a time when significant investigations are underway in the country, specifically targeting churches and military installations. Trump emphasized the implications these actions could have on U.S.-South Korea relations, stating, “We can't have that and do business there.”
During a press event on Monday, Trump elaborated on his post, mentioning reports he had received regarding raids on churches in South Korea. He claimed that the South Korean government had even accessed information from a U.S. military base, specifically the Osan Air Base. “They probably shouldn't have done that,” he remarked, signaling his concern over the government's actions. Trump added, “But I heard bad things; I don't know if it's true or not, I'll be finding out,” indicating that he is seeking more information on the situation.
According to news reports, investigators are conducting searches at various churches and the Osan Air Base as part of a broader investigation into former First Lady Kim Keon Hee related to corruption charges. In response to Trump's remarks, South Korea's presidential office stated that it is currently assessing the situation, as reported by the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency.
Trump's unexpected comments could signal a potential cooling of negotiations between the U.S. and South Korea, a scenario that South Korean leaders were likely hoping to avoid. This meeting comes just months after President Yoon Suk-yeol took office, presenting a significant foreign policy challenge for the newly elected leader.
During their discussions, the two nations are expected to address a recently negotiated trade deal that limits tariffs on South Korean exports to the United States at 15%. This tariff rate is notably lower than the 25% rate Trump had previously threatened. However, Trump also mentioned that South Korea would need to provide the U.S. with $350 billion for investments owned and controlled by the United States, which has raised questions about the structure and specifics of this investment pledge.
The investment agreement is poised to be a central topic in the upcoming discussions between Trump and President Yoon. Additionally, one of the primary focal points will be a proposal from South Korean officials aimed at enhancing U.S. shipbuilding capabilities in the country. This initiative, dubbed “Make America Shipbuilding Great Again,” includes a substantial $150 billion proposal intended to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry as part of the broader trade negotiations.
Another critical issue on the agenda is the future of the more than 28,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea. Trump has expressed the desire for South Korea to take on greater responsibility for its defense, allowing U.S. forces to refocus their efforts on the growing threat from China. However, South Korea has expressed concerns that this shift could leave the nation more vulnerable to threats from North Korea.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
