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PBS News Hour

South Korea shift highlights Trump's transactional approach

Season 2026 Episode 169 | 9m 09s

President Trump is straining one of America’s closest alliances after scaling back joint military exercises with South Korea. He cited their cost, his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Seoul’s refusal to join the Iran war. It's the latest example of Trump taking a transactional approach to alliances. Geoff Bennett discussed more with retired Navy Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
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