TRUMP ANNOUNCES $200BN SOUTH KOREA ENERGY INVESTMENT PLAN

US President Donald Trump has announced $200bn in investments from South Korea, including $54bn earmarked for a liquefied natural gas project in Alaska, during an appearance at the White House on Wednesday. Trump described it as "one of the largest energy infrastructure investments in American history". The announcement comes during the US midterm election season, as Trump seeks to defend the Republican Party's economic record. However, South Korean sources have disputed the characterisation of the deal, saying it is not yet finalised and clarifying that Seoul and Washington differ over the terms of their trade agreement.

Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan appeared alongside Trump in the Oval Office and said he had worked on the pipeline project for almost 20 years. Sullivan said the scheme would deliver low-cost energy "for 50 to a hundred years" and estimated it would create 12,000 jobs during construction. He described it as set to become the biggest liquefied natural gas project in the country, supplying Alaskans and the US military before exporting gas to what he called America's Asian allies. Trump also credited Sullivan's work on the deal and other agreements affecting Alaska.

Alaska is among several Republican-leaning states that Democrats regard as competitive in the November 3 elections, with Sullivan defending his Senate seat. Democrats are seeking to gain control of both chambers of Congress, with only 35 of the Senate's 100 seats contested this cycle, making each race significant for determining control of the chamber. South Korean officials have indicated the investment package requires further clarification before its terms are confirmed. No further details on a finalised agreement have been given by either government.