Trump elaborated later Monday that he was referring to raids on churches and on a U.S. military base by the new South Korean government, which they "probably shouldn't have done," the president argued.

South Korea has long come under targeted criticism from Trump, who has called it a "money machine" that takes advantage of American military protection.

ULSAN, South Korea - When South Korean President Lee Jae Myung meets with President Donald Trump for the first time on Monday, he will arrive at the White House with a gift that’s sure to please Trump: South Korea’s shipbuilding prowess.