WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 30: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with Alaska Governor (LR) Mike Dunleavy, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, U.S. Senator Daniel S. Sullivan (R-AK), U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright during an announcement in the Oval Office of the White House September 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. The joint announcement unveiled a major $54 billion South Korean investment, which includes the Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images News | Getty Images
US President Donald Trump said he “didn’t jump the gun” in announcing South Korea’s participation in a $50 billion LNG project in Alaska, warning that Seoul could pay “double” if it does not sign soon.
His remarks came amid a divergence between Washington and Seoul over planned South Korean investments in energy and infrastructure in the United States, with Trump announcing projects that Seoul says have not yet been finalized.
“If they don’t want to do it, I don’t mind. I’m just going to charge them more,” Trump told reporters Friday, according to the White House. “Tell them if they don’t sign soon, I’m going to double down.”
Trump did not specify what would be doubled. Local South Korean media, however, raised the possibility that he was referring to higher tariffs on the country.
Asked if he prematurely announced South Korea’s involvement in the Alaska LNG project, Trump said he “didn’t take the plunge.”
Trump’s remarks come after South Korea said it was still evaluating the Alaska LNG project, with any participation dependent on its commercial viability and compliance with domestic legal procedures.
Separately, Trump said Friday on Truth Social that South Korea’s investment deal “keeps getting better and better,” announcing an additional $8.4 billion enhanced oil recovery project.
Enhanced oil recovery uses techniques such as carbon dioxide injection to increase the amount of crude oil produced from an oil field.
Local South Korean media further reported that the oil recovery project was not included in the agreements reached between Seoul and Washington, citing the country’s Ministry of Industry. The department was seeking to verify Trump’s announcement and had contacted the United States through commercial channels for clarification, according to the report.
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