ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday what he described as a “full and complete trade deal” between the United States and South Korea, which he said included $350 billion in investments “owned and controlled by the United States” and $100 billion in purchases of American energy products – a move that has drawn swift praise from an Alaska lawmaker advocating for a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, President Trump said South Korea will invest heavily in U.S. controlled ventures and import a significant volume of LNG and other energy products as part of the agreement. He said the deal will also include a 15% tariff on South Korean goods, though details of the broader trade terms remain unclear. Trump said the deal will be formally announced during an upcoming White House visit by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, responded on social media, linking the trade deal to efforts to create an LNG pipeline in Alaska. He called the agreement a “A strategic trade deal that will fuel our economy, strengthen national security, and spearhead energy dominance.”
“This is why an LNG pipeline in Alaska is essential,” Begich wrote on X.
The proposed LNG project – a long-discussed pipeline system, would help move North Slope natural gas to international markets. The Biden administration had previously paused approvals of new LNG export permits, citing environmental concerns and “ensuring America leads the clean energy future.” President Trump’s statement did not reference the pipeline directly.
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