Trump claims South Korea can build nuclear-powered submarines in the United States
US President Donald Trump, during his visit to South Korea, said that Washington has granted Seoul approval to build nuclear-powered submarines on American soil. The remarks, made as he met with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, underscore a potential deepening of alliance ties and a bold shift in regional deterrence strategy amid strained regional security dynamics.
The assertion, if substantiated by formal policy changes, would mark a historic step in military collaboration between the United States and South Korea. Experts caution that such a move would require extensive intergovernmental coordination, export approvals, and longstanding legal and strategic considerations surrounding nuclear propulsion technology. Nonetheless, Trump framed the discussion as a pragmatic response to evolving security threats in Northeast Asia and the need to bolster allied capabilities.
South Korea has long pursued advanced submarine technology as part of its broader defense modernization plan. A program to field nuclear-powered boats would, in theory, extend Seoul’s strategic reach and significantly alter the balance of naval power in the region. Critics and analysts alike note that transferring or co-developing nuclear propulsion involves complex issues, from technology transfer controls to nonproliferation commitments and domestic political support within South Korea and the United States.
In his remarks, Trump linked the idea to broader regional security concerns, suggesting that a stronger nuclear-powered submarine capability could deter adversaries and reassure allies. He emphasized the United States’ commitment to a robust alliance with Seoul and hinted at a larger conversation about shared defense responsibilities and advanced weaponry that could adapt to a changing security environment.
President Lee Jae-myung did not publicly confirm the specifics of the submarine proposal during the joint appearance, but he reiterated Seoul’s interest in maintaining a credible deterrent and deepening defense cooperation with Washington. The interaction highlighted a moment in which bilateral partners openly discussed potentially transformative defense projects, even as formal approvals and legislative processes would need to move forward behind closed doors.
Historical context matters here. The United States and South Korea have long collaborated on military technologies, with joint exercises and defense production agreements shaping the alliance since the Korean War era. A move toward nuclear-powered submarines would add a new dimension to that collaboration, possibly involving dual-use technology pathways, industrial partnerships, and a carefully staged transition that balances strategic aims with nonproliferation commitments.
Reaction among regional observers has been mixed. Some see the proposal as a pragmatic response to China’s growing influence and North Korea’s unpredictable provocations, while others warn of escalating arms competition and the risks inherent in expanding nuclear propulsion technology. Within the United States, lawmakers would likely scrutinize any such plan for compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, as well as safeguards to prevent technology leakage and ensure transparent governance.
As the visit continues, analysts will monitor how the administration frames the proposal, what formal steps are proposed, and whether there will be a broader package of security assurances and defense contracts tied to the potential submarines. The outcome hinges on a series of political, technical, and diplomatic negotiations that could unfold over months or years.
For now, the announcement has heightened attention on US-South Korea defense ties and the strategic calculus surrounding naval warfare in the Indo-Pacific. Supporters argue that shared technology and integrated capabilities can strengthen deterrence, while skeptics caution against rushing into a policy that could have ripple effects for regional stability and global nonproliferation norms.
What comes next
Experts suggest the next steps would involve detailed feasibility studies, congressional or parliamentary consent where required, and a careful assessment of the operational and ethical implications. If pursued, the project would demand a clear legal framework, robust safety protocols, and an emphasis on transparency to maintain international trust.
Bottom line
The claim that South Korea could build nuclear-powered submarines in the United States represents a potential turning point in alliance defense architecture. While it remains to be seen how much of Trump’s statement translates into concrete policy, the discussion signals a bold reimagining of regional security partnerships in an era of rapid geostrategic change.
