South Korean President Lee Plans August 25 Trade Defense Meeting Trump Washington

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on August 25, 2025, to discuss trade, defense cooperation, and regional security challenges posed by North Korea. This summit follows a July trade agreement where the U.S. lowered its reciprocal tariffs on South Korean goods, including cars, from 25% to 15%, and South Korea committed to purchasing $100 billion in U.S. energy and investing $350 billion in the U.S. The leaders are expected to explore expanding cooperation in key industries such as semiconductors, batteries, and shipbuilding, while also addressing concerns about the future of the U.S.-South Korea alliance amid shifting U.S. strategic focus toward China. President Trump has historically pushed for South Korea to increase payments for the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed there, and recent U.S. defense officials have signaled possible restructuring of the alliance, potentially reducing U.S. forces while encouraging South Korea to take on a larger role in countering North Korean threats. Both leaders aim to develop a “future-oriented, comprehensive strategic alliance” that addresses evolving international security and economic landscapes. The meeting marks President Lee’s first face-to-face discussion with President Trump since taking office in June 2025.