Trump Defends Alaska LNG Investment Announcement Amid South Korea Disputes

US President Donald Trump defended his announcement about South Korea's investment in the Alaska LNG project, stating he did not act prematurely. During a White House briefing on Friday, Trump said that South Korean representatives were present and engaged in discussions, but he acknowledged that if they decide not to proceed, he would adjust the terms. The $54 billion pipeline project, part of a broader $200 billion investment plan, has been in planning for decades but lacks final commitments.

Trump also mentioned that the US-South Korea trade deal includes $8.4 billion for a project aimed at boosting production from an aging oilfield. However, this claim was met with surprise by an official from Seoul's industry ministry, who stated that the agreement only covers what was outlined in a joint fact sheet released in November 2025. The South Korea embassy in Washington could not be immediately reached for further clarification.

The Alaska LNG project involves constructing an 800-mile pipeline from the North Slope to a liquefaction facility in Nikiski. Trump highlighted that South Korea's $200 billion investment would also fund eight nuclear power plants, a natural gas pipeline, and a 6-gigawatt power plant in Texas. This investment is part of a $350 billion strategic package agreed upon as part of a trade deal between Washington and Seoul last year.