U.S. Vice President JD Vance has pledged to push forward with the Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, stating that he will either work with Korea's current or next government or pivot to Japan if necessary. Speaking to Alaska News Source, Vance acknowledged political dynamics in Korea but emphasized the project's completion. He highlighted the demand for Alaska gas, describing it as cheaper, higher quality, and more reliable than gas from other sources.
Vance's comments follow earlier statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed Korea plans to invest $50 billion in the project. However, the Korean government has clarified that it is only reviewing the project's commercial viability and legal procedures, with no final decisions made on investment size. Trump had previously pressured Korea to expedite the agreement, warning of higher expenses if delays continue.
Sen. Dan Sullivan, a Republican from Alaska, also addressed the project during a campaign rally, asserting that funding had been secured but negotiations and project structure were still under discussion. The Alaska LNG project has become a key issue in the Senate race, where Democratic candidate Mary Peltola has recently taken a lead in polls, challenging Sullivan's incumbent status.