Trump threatens to raise costs for South Korea in Alaska LNG deal

U.S. President Donald Trump has ramped up pressure on South Korea to commit to an Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, warning that Seoul's participation costs could double if a deal isn't finalized soon. Trump made these remarks on October 2 before heading to a campaign rally in Alabama. He denied any premature announcement of South Korea's involvement, stating, 'If they don’t want to, that’s OK. We’ll just charge them more.'

Trump's urgency appears tied to the November 3 midterm elections, particularly in competitive states like Alaska, where a tight Senate race is underway. Additionally, at an Ohio rally on October 3, Trump threatened foreign companies with steep tariffs if they fail to establish factories in the U.S. within 18 months, citing economic concerns ahead of the elections.

South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy clarified that Trump's comments did not reflect any new agreements. The ministry emphasized that only the terms outlined in the joint fact sheet and press release were formally agreed upon between the two nations.