Trump: US to halt business in South Korea amid political turmoil

On August 25, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the United States will cease all business activities in South Korea due to what he described as a "Purge or Revolution" unfolding in the country. 

The announcement was made via his Truth Social platform, just hours before a scheduled meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung at the White House.

President Trump expressed concern over the political instability in South Korea, stating, "Seems like a Purge or Revolution. We can’t have that and do business there."

He further emphasised the gravity of the situation, adding, "I am seeing the new President today at the White House. Thank you for your attention to this matter!!!"

In parallel, Lee Jae Myung has arrived in Washington for talks with Trump, following a last-minute trade deal that capped tariffs on U.S. imports of South Korean goods at 15%, avoiding the 25% rate Trump had threatened. However, U.S. officials have signalled dissatisfaction with the agreement.

Before departing, Lee warned of potential friction, saying, “Some in Washington think the agreement benefits Korea too much, and different departments are surfacing calls to change it. We can’t simply accept unilateral attempts to reopen what both presidents have already approved.”

The summit is also set to address defence cooperation, which Seoul initially sought to include in the trade deal.

U.S. officials are keen to clarify the specifics of South Korea’s $350 billion pledge to invest in the U.S. Lee’s government is expected to unveil around $150 billion in private-sector investment plans during Monday’s meetings, according to Hankyoreh newspaper.

By Aghakazim Guliyev