Trump Approves South Korea to Build a Nuclear-Powered Submarine

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he has given South Korea the green light to build a nuclear-powered submarine, marking a significant upgrade in the two countries’ military partnership.

"Our Military Alliance is stronger than ever before and, based on that, I have given them approval to build a Nuclear Powered Submarine, rather than the old fashioned, and far less nimble, diesel powered Submarines that they have now," Trump posted on Truth Social while en route to South Korea.

The submarine will be built at a shipyard in Philadelphia, where South Korean companies like Hanwha have been expanding operations. The decision follows a new trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on Korean cars from 25% to 15%. South Korea also committed to buying large amounts of American oil and gas and investing more than $600 billion in the United States.

• Trump okays South Korea’s plan to build nuclear-powered submarine
• U.S. approves Seoul’s nuclear sub project amid new trade, defense deals
• Trump, Lee Jae Myung boost alliance with nuclear sub and tariff cuts

During their meeting on Wednesday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called the submarine approval a way to “significantly reduce the burden on the U.S. military.” He also asked for permission to reprocess nuclear fuel—a step currently restricted under the U.S.-South Korea nuclear agreement—to power the new subs.

Only a handful of countries operate nuclear-powered submarines. The U.S. has shared this technology with the United Kingdom since the 1950s and more recently with Australia through the AUKUS pact. Experts warn that the high-enriched uranium needed for these vessels raises concerns about nuclear proliferation and requires strict international oversight.

Daryl Kimball of the Arms Control Association said the move is “technically and militarily unnecessary” and could weaken global non-proliferation efforts. Kim Dong-yup, a professor at Kyungnam University, described the summit as turning the alliance into a “commercial deal,” with clear benefits for the U.S.

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South Korea’s Industry Ministry said detailed discussions on the project have not yet begun. Still, the agreement reflects Trump’s strategy of linking security support with economic gains, especially as North Korea continues its threats and China grows more assertive in the region.