Republican lawmakers question Trump plan to sell Alaskan LNG to China
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GOP lawmakers express concern over Trump’s proposal to sell Alaskan LNG to China, citing trust issues and preferring deals with US allies.
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US President Donald Trump talks to China’s President Xi Jinping on October 30, 2025. (AFP/Getty Images)
Some Republican lawmakers have voiced concerns over US President Donald Trump’s proposal to sell Alaskan liquefied natural gas (LNG) to China, according to a report published by Politico on Friday.
Following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday, Trump took to Truth Social to express optimism about a potential deal for Beijing to purchase substantial quantities of oil and gas from Alaska. He claimed that China had already agreed to the possible arrangement.
Despite Trump’s confidence, several GOP lawmakers have expressed doubts regarding the reliability of such a deal with Beijing. The criticism reflects broader Republican skepticism about China and concerns about national interests.
"China has a horrible reputation of living up to [commitments]," Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska was quoted as saying. "I would focus on our allies first."
Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who chairs the US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, echoed Sullivan’s apprehension, stating that "they make a lot of empty promises in China," the report noted.
Senator Kevin Cramer also weighed in, saying, "I don’t mind selling them anything they’re willing to pay for, but I don’t know that I want their investment."
No confirmation yet from China
While the president promoted the deal as a step forward in US energy exports, Chinese officials have not confirmed any agreement regarding the purchase of Alaskan LNG.
The proposal comes amid ongoing debates in Washington over energy security, foreign investment, and the strategic handling of US natural resources.
Trump had revealed to reporters following the meeting that he and Xi removed "roadblocks" on rare earth deals, stating, "All the rare earths have been settled, and that's for the world," further adding that the agreement was for one year and will be renegotiated annually.
"There's no roadblock at all on rare earth -- that will hopefully disappear from our vocabulary for a little while," Trump said.
This follows the deals Trump inked in Japan that outline a framework for both Washington and Tokyo to collaborate on mining, processing, and investing in rare earths and critical materials.
Read more: US greed, policy missteps propelled China’s tech dominance: AP exposé
