US President Donald Trump has expressed his desire for the United States to own the land where its military bases are located in South Korea, rather than leasing it. Speaking alongside South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Trump noted that Washington has invested heavily in infrastructure on the Korean Peninsula and maintains a significant military presence, with over 28,500 troops currently stationed in the country.
Trump claimed that the US has invested billions of dollars in the region, but the land under its military facilities remains leased from Seoul. He suggested that obtaining ownership of the land would be a more desirable arrangement, citing the large US military base, although he did not specify which base he was referring to. The US currently operates its overseas bases under long-term lease agreements and Status of Forces treaties, which grant Washington operational control while maintaining de jure sovereignty for the host country.
The US has a significant military presence in South Korea, with the largest facility being Camp Humphreys, which was completed in 2018. Trump also mentioned that during his previous term, Seoul had agreed to cover the costs of US troops’ upkeep, but this arrangement was reversed by President Joe Biden. Trump described this move as “unbelievable” and stated that the US was previously receiving billions of dollars in payments.
Trump’s remarks are consistent with his long-standing view that Washington’s partners must pay more for American “protection.” He has pressed NATO members to increase their military spending and has argued that US taxpayers should not shoulder a disproportionate burden. The South Korean leader has not publicly responded to Trump’s comments, while North Korea has long criticized the US military presence as an occupation force and condemned its drills with Seoul as rehearsals for invasion.
The US military presence in South Korea is one of the largest abroad, after Japan and Germany. The arrangement has been in place for decades, with the US providing a significant security presence in the region. Trump’s comments have highlighted the ongoing debate about the cost and funding of US military bases overseas, with some arguing that host countries should contribute more to the costs of maintaining these facilities. The issue is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion in the coming months, with potential implications for US military policy and international relations.
