Lee seeks US Senate support amid Trump pressure

Apr 03, 2026, 08:34 am

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President Lee Jae-myung shakes hands with U.S. Senator Thom Tillis ahead of a meeting with a bipartisan Senate delegation at the presidential office on April 2. /Yonhap

President Lee Jae-myung met with a delegation of U.S. senators on April 2, stepping up diplomatic outreach to Washington as tensions rise over Middle East security and alliance expectations.

The meeting came after Donald Trump publicly criticized South Korea, saying it was “not helping” with issues related to the Strait of Hormuz and calling for a greater role from Seoul.

According to the presidential office, Lee shared concerns over the worsening Middle East situation and its impact on South Korea, while expressing appreciation for the United States’ sacrifices during the Korean War and its longstanding economic and military support.

The outreach is seen as part of a broader strategy to engage both the U.S. administration and Congress simultaneously, expanding diplomatic channels amid growing pressure from Washington.

This marked Lee’s fourth official engagement with members of the U.S. Congress since taking office, following earlier meetings with senators and representatives. Analysts say the move reflects an effort to secure bipartisan support within Congress as alliance dynamics face new challenges.

On the same day, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back also met with the Senate delegation, requesting congressional support for South Korea’s plan to develop a nuclear-powered submarine. He emphasized the need for continued bipartisan cooperation to strengthen the alliance.

Trump’s remarks, made during an Easter luncheon at the White House, have drawn particular attention. He stated, “Let South Korea handle it. Frankly, South Korea is not helping on this issue,” while also making disputed claims about the scale of U.S. troop presence in Korea.

Despite the remarks, the visiting senators reaffirmed bipartisan support for the alliance, noting that cooperation at both the governmental and congressional levels is essential for its continued development.

Officials said the government will continue to strengthen diplomatic engagement through multiple channels to navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape.

#Lee Jae-myung #Donald Trump #US Senate #South Korea alliance #Hormuz Strait