# Seoul’s Deal with Trump Now Hinges on Two Powers in Washington Divided US governance threatens to stall South Korea’s $350 billion investment and security pact. - **Source:** [The Korea Herald – All](https://www.koreaherald.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2fc0fb3c-8ba1-4a9a-89c8-c57b1fe2b81d ## Complex Alliance Dynamics South Korea faces a challenging diplomatic landscape as its 2025 agreement with President Donald Trump encounters a divided Washington. The deal, involving $350 billion in investments and sensitive nuclear cooperation, now faces scrutiny from an incoming Democratic-controlled Congress. Seoul must navigate these two distinct power centers to ensure the pact remains viable. ## Intertwined Economic Security Although security and investment commitments were not legally linked, their implementation has become practically inseparable. Delays in South Korean investment projects have already hindered security cooperation discussions. Experts warn that treating these elements as separate costs rather than shared strategic gains threatens the long-term sustainability of the bilateral alliance between the two nations. ## Congressional Oversight Risks The shift to a Democratic-led Congress introduces significant institutional obstacles for the Trump administration’s foreign policy agenda. Lawmakers can exercise oversight through legislation, appropriations, and investigations, potentially slowing down nuclear technology transfers. This creates a cycle of delays that makes fulfilling the original terms of the agreement increasingly difficult for both sides. ## Nuclear Cooperation Hurdles South Korea seeks uranium enrichment rights and nuclear-powered submarines as key benefits of its massive US investment. However, Democrats’ strong emphasis on nuclear nonproliferation may delay these projects considerably. Any new nuclear cooperation agreement would require congressional review, allowing lawmakers to scrutinize or potentially block the transfer of sensitive technology and materials. ## Wartime Control Transition The transition of wartime operational control before 2030 faces increased legislative monitoring. Section 1268 of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act restricts funding for deviations from the bilateral plan. Proposed 2027 defense bills would mandate quarterly reports on readiness, further tightening congressional control over the process and complicating negotiations for the current government. ## Predictability Versus Pressure While an assertive Congress complicates investment, it may offer more predictable trade policy and tariff adjustments. Lawmakers could provide a more rational environment where South Korea’s voice is heard. Conversely, if investment falls behind schedule, President Trump might resort to powerful pressure tactics, creating a collision between his demands and institutional constraints. ## Diplomatic Adventurism Concerns Former ambassador Cho Hyun-dong warns of potential diplomatic adventurism from the White House. Even with a weakened domestic political position, the president retains substantial authority over foreign policy. Seoul must prepare for unpredictable moves before the new Congress takes office in January, as the administration may continue pursuing unilateral policies despite legislative opposition. ## Need for Integrated Strategy Economist Kim Byung-yeon argues that Seoul lacks a coherent, government-wide strategy to manage the alliance. He suggests an integrated approach involving foreign affairs, security, and economic ministries is essential. By assessing defense, technology, and investment holistically, South Korea could better maximize the combined benefits of security and economic cooperation with the United States. ## Future Outlook Uncertain The next two years are expected to be particularly difficult for South Korean diplomacy. As institutional obstacles mount, finding a compromise between Trump’s pressure and congressional oversight will be a major challenge. Success depends on whether both nations can align their strategic interests rather than viewing the alliance as a series of isolated transactions. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10929677 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._