Harris criticises Trump's tariffs and alliance policies during Seoul visit
In short
Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris criticised President Donald Trump's tariffs, approach to North Korea and reduction of joint U.S.–South Korean military exercises during an October 14 speech in Seoul. She called for stronger deterrence and continued South Korean investment in the United States, based on mutual trust rather than threats.
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Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris criticised President Donald Trump's alliance policies during an October 14 appearance at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul. Speaking on U.S. leadership and the future of alliances, she said Trump's tariffs and efforts to embrace North Korea weakened alliances. She also expressed disappointment over his reduction of joint U.S.–South Korean military exercises, saying disappointment alone was insufficient to describe her reaction. [ 7 , 8 ]
Harris called for stronger deterrence within the alliance, pointing to cooperation among North Korea, China, Russia and Iran. She said strengthening the U.S.–South Korean alliance would benefit South Korean and Indo-Pacific security and America's international standing. Asked whether South Korea could possess its own nuclear deterrent while maintaining the alliance, she stressed the importance of stronger extended deterrence. She said allies should jointly decide the most effective way to strengthen it. [ 7 ]
Harris also urged South Korean companies to continue investing in the United States. She said she had held an in-depth discussion with South Korean shipbuilding industry representatives the previous day and argued that the United States needed greater investment in its own shipbuilding sector. She praised South Korean contributions and mentioned semiconductor and electric vehicle investment. But she said investment should not result from threats, stressing that trust and reciprocity should underpin relationships, including alliances. [ 7 ]
Harris said the United States had lost some influence and was perceived as a less trustworthy partner. Even a president who understood the importance of alliances would have to work hard to restore that trust, she said. Asked about the 2028 presidential election, she said she was thinking about running but had made no decision. She emphasised the November 2026 midterm elections, predicting a Democratic victory in the House and a strong possibility of winning the Senate. [ 7 ]
Why it matters
Harris said strengthening the alliance supports security in South Korea and the Indo-Pacific as well as America's international standing. She warned that restoring trust in the United States would require substantial effort even under a president who understands the importance of alliances.
Key facts
- Harris spoke at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul on October 14 about U.S. leadership and the future of alliances. [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]
- She criticised Trump's tariffs, approach to North Korea and reduction of joint U.S.–South Korean military exercises. [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]
- She said allies should decide together how to strengthen extended deterrence against North Korea. [ 7 , 8 ]
- She encouraged continued South Korean investment in U.S. shipbuilding, semiconductors and electric vehicles, while rejecting investment driven by threats. [ 7 , 8 ]
- Harris said she was considering a 2028 presidential bid but had made no decision. [ 7 , 8 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Whether Harris will run in the 2028 U.S. presidential election. Harris said she was considering a bid but had not made a decision.