Andy Kim Opposes Trump's Unilateral Reduction of US Forces in Korea

Korean-American Senator Holds Press Conference on the 28th

"US Tariffs Weaken South Korea's Growth Potential"

"Imposing tariffs on South Korea not only weakens the US's competitiveness against China but also undermines South Korea's ability to grow at a crucial time."

Andy Kim, US Senator (Democrat, New Jersey), met with Korean and other Asian journalists at a press conference held at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on the 28th (local time), stating, "At a time when we should be celebrating trade relations with our ally South Korea, President Trump is antagonizing such relations."

Last year, Kim, the first Korean-American to enter the US Senate, has been focusing on voicing the concerns of the Asian community of nearly one million in New Jersey.

At the press conference, he stated regarding the issue of US Forces Korea, "I will oppose any substantial reduction of US Forces Korea without consultation with Congress and the South Korean government." Despite the number of US Forces Korea being stipulated in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) at 28,500, there are rumors of reviewing the relocation of US Forces Korea. He pointed out, "Congress has the right to set such standards, and the President's attempt to unilaterally change them exceeds that authority."

He emphasized, "This issue is directly related to key allies and partners, and the administration must explain so that Congress can understand future plans." He added, "In the face of ongoing threats from North Korea and continued instability in the region, I have not found justification for such actions (relocation of US Forces Korea)." Kim believes there is bipartisan support in the US Congress for the continued presence and troop levels of US Forces Korea and the US-South Korea security partnership, stating, "I am communicating with fellow lawmakers to discuss this issue."

He also mentioned the upcoming South Korean presidential election (June 3rd), stating, "I will contact the next leader immediately after the Korean election to discuss ways to serve as a bridge between the US and South Korea."

Kim criticized the Trump administration's immigration policy, noting that "both my father and my wife came to the US on student visas," highlighting how the US has grown by accepting immigrants like himself. He said, "I believe Americans understand why this policy harms the US," and emphasized, "Many universities, regardless of whether they are in Democratic or Republican states, rely significantly on tuition from foreign students, and this situation could harm the tuition levels desired by American students."

Regarding the 'One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA)' being pushed by President Trump and the Republicans, he expressed concern that it "will increase inequality," but was not optimistic about the Democrats' chances of blocking the bill in the Senate. However, Kim hoped that some Republicans might align with Democrats as they did during Trump's first term. The bill passed the House last week and is pending in the Senate. The Trump administration hopes the bill will pass before Independence Day (July 5th), but many expect that reconciling differences will take time.

Kim said, "Polls show that more and more Americans understand the harm this bill does to Medicaid (low-income health insurance), medical services, and Pell Grants (low-income college scholarships)," but noted, "The situation where Republicans control both the House and Senate is challenging."

He pointed out, "This bill could cause 14 million Americans to lose health insurance," and "cutting $700 billion from Medicaid and $300 billion from Obamacare would be the largest healthcare budget cut in national history." He added, "Currently, over 60% of Americans believe President Trump is harming the economy, and this message is resonating." Kim concluded, "I hope the Democrats can regain the majority in Congress to block legislation."

Washington Correspondent Lee Sang-eun selee@hankyung.com