Trump Hosts South Korean President Lee for Trade, Defense Talks

President Donald Trump hosted South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the White House to discuss trade and defense, focusing on a July trade deal involving South Korean investments in the U.S. and tariffs set at 15%, down from a threatened 25%. The leaders planned to explore cooperation in key sectors like semiconductors, batteries, and shipbuilding, with Trump expressing openness to renegotiating trade agreements and potential maritime contracts. Defense talks likely included the presence of U.S. troops in South Korea and demands for increased South Korean contributions to military spending, amid concerns about regional security and North Korean threats. Trump also criticized South Korea on social media, possibly referring to political unrest and investigations related to the former South Korean president. South Korea's President Lee emphasized the importance of U.S. troops for deterrence against North Korea, while the U.S. aims to maintain strategic military flexibility in the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting underscored the complex interplay of diplomacy, economic interests, and security challenges between the two nations.