Trump Dismisses Concerns Over South Korea’s Investment Announcement
President Trump addressed reporters on Friday regarding his announcement that South Korea would fund a natural gas pipeline in Alaska, which South Korean officials later clarified is still under discussion.
“I didn’t jump the gun,” Trump stated, emphasizing that South Korean representatives were present during the discussions. “If they don’t want to do it, that’s OK with me. I’ll just charge them more,” he added, alluding to potential tariff increases.
The president had previously announced that South Korea would invest up to $200 billion in U.S. energy projects, including a liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipeline in Alaska, eight nuclear power plants, and a natural gas facility in Texas. This deal forms part of a trade agreement in which the U.S. would reduce tariff rates for South Korea to 15%. Trump specifically cited a $54 billion investment for the Alaska pipeline.
However, South Korean officials have disputed the definitive language used in Trump’s announcement. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated on social media that the Alaska LNG project hinges on confirming financial viability and compliance with domestic legal procedures. Additionally, South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan remarked that the figures and language used by Trump “go far beyond what was agreed.”
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