Full Breakdown
Trump Threatens Tariff Increase Over South Korea’s Alaska LNG Participation
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
President Donald Trump warned that the United States would “charge” South Korea more—potentially doubling tariffs—if Seoul does not promptly agree to invest in the Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipeline. The remarks were made during a White House press availability and reiterated while the president departed for a rally in Mobile, Alabama. South Korea has said no investment decision has been finalized and is still reviewing the project.
Trade Deal Background
The Alaska LNG pipeline is part of a broader 2025 trade arrangement under which South Korea pledged $350 billion in U.S. investment in exchange for reduced U.S. tariffs on Korean goods, including automobiles. Trump previously announced that South Korea would invest roughly $200 billion in U.S. energy projects, with about $54 billion tied to the Alaska LNG pipeline. The South Korean industry ministry clarified that the two countries have only agreed to begin a commercial-rationality review, with no commitment on scale or timing.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick asserted that South Korea will invest “over $50 billion” in the Alaska project. He added that a failure to sign “shortly” would trigger a tariff doubling. In the same appearance, Trump criticized New York Attorney General Letitia James, calling her a “corrupt person” and expressing sympathy for those she pursues, saying they “won’t get a fair shake.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “They said they didn't sign it?,” — Donald Trump, president
- “I’m heading to Alabama, a place that I won all three times, record votes, like Texas, like Oklahoma, like a lot of them,” — Donald Trump, president
- “I feel badly for whoever she’s looking at because they won’t get a fair shake,” — Donald Trump, president
These statements encapsulate the president’s dual focus on pressuring a key trading partner and attacking a state attorney general amid a high-profile sexual-assault investigation.
