Trump Suddenly Criticizes South Korea Just Hours Before Meeting President Lee

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung/PHOTO via Facebook

JAKARTA - US President Donald Trump criticized South Korea just hours before a meeting with the country's new president, Lee Jae Myung.

The meeting will take place amid a conflict over the defense and trade budgets that test the alliance between the two countries that has existed for decades.

As reported by Reuters on Monday, August 25, Trump said in Truth Social, "There seems to be a Cleaning or Revolution" in South Korea and "We can't do that and do business there."

The statement led to chaos over what, for Lee, was a high-risk negotiation.

He took office in June after an impromptu general election held after his conservative predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, who was praised in Washington for his hard line towards North Korea, was removed from office for his attempts to impose a military emergency in December.

South Korea's economy relies heavily on the US, with Washington ensuring its safety with nuclear forces and deterrence.

Lee hopes to map a balanced cooperation path with the US, without angering his main trading partner, China.

Trump's complaint is unclear. However, for months, supporters of former President Yoon hoped Trump would intervene in what they call communist persecution of the impeached former president.

Yoon is now on trial on charges of inciting a rebellion. His wife faces a possible charge for corruption and bribery cases.

South Korea has long been the target of Trump's sharp criticism, calling it a "money machine" that utilizes American military protection.

South Korea's presidential office told local media it was investigating the matter.