Trump Threatens Seoul with Higher Costs over Alaska LNG Project

US President Donald Trump threatened South Korea with higher costs if it doesn't invest in the large-scale Alaska LNG project. The president made this statement at a White House press conference, rejecting claims that he had prematurely announced Seoul's participation in the project.

According to Trump, representatives of South Korea were present during discussions, and if they decline to join the project, the US will charge them more. When asked what exactly he meant by 'higher costs', Trump replied that if an agreement isn't signed quickly, he would 'double' it. However, he didn't specify whether this refers to tariffs, investment commitments, or other financial costs.

The Alaska LNG project is estimated to be worth around $54 billion, with over $50 billion directed towards it as part of a broader $350 billion package agreed upon between the US and South Korea last year. The package includes several other investments in US energy infrastructure, such as eight large nuclear reactors and a gas energy complex in Texas worth $22.3 billion.

South Korea has not yet decided on its participation in the Alaska project or on the amount of investment it would commit. Seoul stresses that any decision depends on further negotiations, an assessment of commercial viability, and legal requirements.