‘South Korea Must Pay More’: Trump’s Potential Return Sparks Defense Spending Debate

On Tuesday, former National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien is seen greeting Ambassador Cho Hyun Dong of South Korea in the U.S. at an event held at the Northwestern Mutual Tower in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The former National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien strongly urged South Korea to increase its defense spending. He is considered a potential candidate to reassume the position if Trump is re-elected.

At an event held at the Northwestern Mutual Tower in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, O’Brien told Yonhap News about the U.S.-South Korea defense cost negotiations: “South Korea can bear the burden for its own defense. We hope for a greater contribution,” adding, “We expect good negotiations. We want South Korea to make a bigger contribution.”

He emphasized that South Korea has become a “wealthy” nation and described its economic rise as one of the greatest success stories. He added that South Korea has the financial resources to do whatever is necessary.

In an interview with Time magazine, former President Trump suggested that U.S. troops in South Korea could be withdrawn if South Korea does not significantly increase its defense cost share. O’Brien responded to whether U.S. troops could be reduced or withdrawn if defense cost negotiations are unsatisfactory by saying, “That’s all speculation. I believe South Korea will take the necessary measures in the defense cost negotiations.”

In response to claims of concerns about the U.S.-South Korea alliance during Trump’s presidency, O’Brien emphasized that “Trump has a great liking for South Korea” and that “we maintained a very good relationship with South Korea during Trump’s presidency when I was in the White House.”

He continued, “At that time, North Korea had no nuclear tests or ballistic missile tests, and tensions were eased. Trump is well aware of what happened in South Korea.”

He also mentioned that Trump appreciates the South Korean female golfers who have dominated the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), noting that he is a big fan of South Korean golfers.

Regarding tensions with China, including the situation in the Taiwan Strait, he stated, “Trump’s approach is ‘peace through strength,’ emphasizing the reinforcement of U.S. military capabilities as a clear message to Beijing.” “Strength leads to peace, and a strong U.S. contributes to a more peaceful world,” he added.