The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which specifies that the U.S. administration cannot unilaterally reduce the size of U.S. Forces Korea, has officially taken effect.
On the 18th (local time), the White House told the press pool that President Donald Trump signed the 2026 NDAA (Oct. 2025–Sept. 2026) passed by Congress. The NDAA is an annual bill that approves the Ministry of National Defense's budget expenditure and policies, and it takes effect after passing both chambers and receiving the president's signature.
This 2026 fiscal year NDAA states that the budget authorized by the bill may not be used to reduce the number of U.S. troops stationed in Korea below the current level (28,500). The provision barring the use of the Ministry of National Defense's budget to cut U.S. Forces Korea disappeared under the previous Joe Biden administration and has resurfaced after five years.
In addition, the bill states that funds may not be used to complete the transfer of wartime operational control of the South Korea–U.S. Combined Forces Command in a manner that deviates from the plan agreed upon by both sides. However, if a submission is made to the relevant standing committee stating that it aligns with U.S. national security interests or that consultations were held with Korea, Japan, member states of the United Nations Command, and others, the prohibition will be lifted after 60 days.
Language giving priority to investments by corporations from Korea and Japan in the construction of new shipyards in the United States was dropped, and instead, language was included calling for the establishment of a comprehensive strategy to improve the shipbuilding sector, such as optimizing existing public shipyard infrastructure.
In addition, it is reported to include: ▲ a ban on reducing Europe-stationed forces to fewer than 76,000 for more than 45 days ▲ an additional $800 million in military aid to Ukraine ▲ approval of additional support worth tens of millions of dollars for Israel, Taiwan, Iraq, and others ▲ a 3.8% pay raise for service members. Next year's U.S. defense budget is $901 billion (about 1,330 trillion won).