South Korea Conducts Church Raids Amid Political Crackdown, Trump Raises Concerns

In 2025, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's government has conducted raids on several major churches known for opposing the impeachment and imprisonment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, targeting Christian leaders who organized nationwide protests. These actions appear politically motivated to suppress dissent, as detailed by allegations against pastors including unjustified raids and seizures linked to their anti-impeachment activities. U.S. President Donald Trump confronted President Lee directly during a White House meeting about these church raids, expressing concern over the reports and describing the police actions as 'vicious,' warning of potential impacts on U.S.-South Korea relations. Trump also raised alarms about investigations involving access to a U.S. military base in South Korea, signaling that the U.S. would not tolerate such intrusions. The discussions between the two leaders are set against the backdrop of ongoing trade and defense talks, with Trump emphasizing the importance of stable and open economic and military cooperation. Overall, Trump's response reflects heightened scrutiny of Lee's administration's domestic crackdowns and their implications for bilateral ties.