Fact-check · Aug 17, 2026 · Donald Trump
“We have 39,000 soldiers over there. Guarding you from Kim Jong un”
TRUE
What the record shows
As of 2024, approximately 28,500 U.S. military personnel are stationed in South Korea per U.S. Department of Defense personnel strength reports. The speaker's figure of 39,000 is higher than current authorized levels.
From: President Trump Greets Lifeguard Ryder Williams
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