On July 2 (local time), the U.S. Department of Defense responded to media questions regarding reports by some American outlets about the Donald Trump administration's plans to reduce U.S. Forces Korea. The department stated that the United States will remain committed to its defense pledge to South Korea based on the U.S.-ROK alliance.
Sean Parnell, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, avoided a direct answer during a press briefing held at the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., when asked whether the Department of Defense has plans to reduce U.S. Forces Korea. He said, "As a general rule, we do not comment on force posture reviews from this podium."
The Department of Defense is reviewing options to realign U.S. forces deployed worldwide following the launch of the second Trump administration. However, it indicated that it cannot disclose any realignment plans under consideration before a final decision is made.
Spokesperson Parnell stated, "The United States has an ironclad alliance with South Korea," and added, "We will continue to remain committed to that alliance."
Previously, on May 22, The Wall Street Journal cited U.S. Department of Defense officials and reported that the department was preparing a plan to relocate approximately 4,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea to other regions. At the time, the Department of Defense denied the report, but the controversy continues.
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