Trump Claims South Korea 'Purge' Ahead Meeting President Lee

President Donald Trump publicly questioned the political stability of South Korea ahead of his summit with new South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, suggesting the country was undergoing a 'Purge or Revolution' and implying that such instability could jeopardize business dealings. Trump’s remarks referred to the recent political turmoil following the ouster and arrest of former conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, a Trump ally, who was removed after his brief imposition of martial law and is now facing criminal charges, alongside his wife. The summit was set to focus on a significant $150 billion shipbuilding trade deal aimed at revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry, leveraging South Korea's expertise. South Korea’s new leader, Lee, who survived an assassination attempt earlier this year, represents a liberal government contrasting with Yoon’s conservative administration. Despite the tense political backdrop and Trump's critical comments, the countries are attempting to maintain their decades-long alliance, balancing economic and security interests amid pressures including defense spending and trade tensions. South Korea’s presidential office said it would review Trump’s statements, while the White House did not immediately comment.