Trump Threatens Double Charge for South Korea Over Alaska LNG Project

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to increase costs for South Korea if it rejects an investment in the Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) development project. On October 2, local time, President Trump made these comments at a White House press briefing.

When asked about the status of the Korean government's investment in the $50 billion Alaska LNG project, President Trump stated, 'I did not release it hastily,' and added, 'If they don't want to, that's fine with me. I'll just charge them more.'

In response to a follow-up question, President Trump said, 'If they don't agree soon, tell them I will double the charges.' This comes after President Trump unilaterally announced on October 1 that the Korean government would invest in the Alaska LNG project.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources has stated that the project will be reviewed based on commercial rationality and domestic legal procedures. The ministry emphasized that no decision has been made regarding investment or its size.