On the 25th (local time), President Donald Trump said regarding the reduction of U.S. Forces Korea that it is "not so," adding that "South Korea and the United States are friends." However, he expressed the intention to request that South Korea transfer the 'ownership' of the land leased to the United States for U.S. military bases in South Korea. He also mentioned that he plans to discuss the purchase related to the fact that American weapons and energy are needed in South Korea.
President Trump, in response to a journalist's question about whether he is considering reducing U.S. Forces Korea before a summit meeting with President Lee Jae-myung held in the Oval Office of the White House, answered, "I don't want to say that now. Because we are friends." He added, "One of the things I want to do is request that Korea give us the ownership of the land where we have a large base (fort)."
President Trump said, "We have spent tremendous money building bases, and although Korea has contributed, I want that (ownership). We can eliminate the lease and secure ownership of the land where we have stationed a large military force." He also mentioned that over 40,000 U.S. soldiers are stationed in Korea, although the current number of U.S. Forces Korea stands at about 28,500.
◇ Trump pressures for weapon and energy purchases
President Trump continued to "pressure" Korea to purchase American weapons and energy. He said, "We make the world's best military equipment," emphasizing that "Korea is a big buyer of (U.S.) military equipment. We will discuss that." Regarding energy cooperation, he noted, "The two countries need each other. Korea also needs the energy that the U.S., including Alaska oil, possesses," stressing that "America, having the world's best natural gas reserves, is indeed a blessing."
He further stated, "Japan is also actively investing in U.S. energy ventures. Although the U.S., China, and Alaska may seem geographically distant, they are in close proximity," adding, "I believe Korea actively needs U.S. resources." Previously, the Korean government, in trade negotiations with the U.S., agreed in principle to invest $350 billion in the U.S. and purchase U.S. energy worth $100 billion, as part of a condition to reduce the reciprocal tariff imposed by the U.S. from 25% to 15%.