President Donald Trump on Friday publicly warned South Korea that he would make it cost more if Seoul does not move forward with the Alaska liquefied natural gas project. Reuters reported that Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, said he did not “jump the gun” because South Korean representatives were present when the broader investment plans were discussed.[1]
Trump said, “If they don’t want to do it, that’s okay with me. I’ll just charge them more,” and added, “Tell them if they don’t sign shortly, I’m going to double it up.”[1] The remarks came after Trump earlier announced a $200 billion South Korean investment package and said it included $54 billion for the Alaska LNG pipeline project, while Seoul said the Alaska project was not yet finalized.[1][2]
The Alaska LNG proposal is a long-planned project that would move gas from Alaska’s North Slope through an 807-mile pipeline to a liquefaction facility on the southern coast for shipment to Asian markets.[2] Reuters also reported that the project has faced years of uncertainty over cost, financing and commercial viability.[2]
For Korean readers in the United States, the dispute underscores a familiar issue in U.S.-South Korea trade talks: Washington pressing for large strategic investments while Seoul says specific terms still need review. Trump did not say exactly what higher costs would mean, but his comments appeared to signal the possibility of tougher trade terms if South Korea does not join the project.[1]
