Finance
Trump ally ties up with Russia's Novatek on natural gas in Alaska, NYT reports
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 20, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 20, 2026
Quick Summary
NYT reports Trump ally Gentry Beach signed a Novatek Alaska LNG agreement amid sanctions. Following 2025 Alaska talks, the early project faces regulatory and political hurdles.
Trump Ally Inks Novatek Agreement on Alaska Natural Gas Development
Potential Alaska LNG Collaboration With Novatek
MOSCOW, Feb 20 (Reuters) - American financier Gentry Beach, who has ties to U.S. President Donald Trump's family, signed an agreement with Russia’s energy giant Novatek last autumn to develop natural gas in Alaska amid Western sanctions against Russia, the New York Times reported on Friday.
Diplomatic Context and Energy Talks
In August, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska for talks aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine.
U.S. and Russian officials discussed several potential energy deals on the sidelines of the negotiations. Sources familiar with the talks said the business proposals were designed to encourage the Kremlin to agree to a peace deal in Ukraine and for Washington to ease sanctions on Russia.
The war is still raging in Ukraine after four years.
What the New York Times Reported
The New York Times, which spoke to the Texas financier, said he had quietly signed an agreement for Novatek to develop natural gas in Alaska.
Project Stage and Funding Unknowns
He told the newspaper that the project was in its early stages and faced significant hurdles, declining to disclose the financial details.
Novatek's Response and Technology Scope
Novatek told the newspaper it was “indeed having negotiations on the potential use” of its technology to liquefy natural gas in remote northern Alaska, but it did not confirm that it was working with Beach.
No Immediate Comment
Novatek did not reply to a request for comment from Reuters. Beach was not immediately available for comment.
Who Is Gentry Beach?
Beach is chairman and CEO of investment firm America First Global that holds interests in energy, mining and infrastructure. He helped raise funds for Trump’s election campaign in 2016 and contributed to shaping the administration's "America First" economic and diplomatic agenda.
Beach is also a college friend of Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., according to the New York Times.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin, editing by Andrei Khalip)
Key Takeaways
- •NYT reports financier Gentry Beach signed an agreement with Russia’s Novatek to develop natural gas in Alaska.
- •The talks followed an August summit in Alaska between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin focused on Ukraine.
- •Novatek says discussions involve potential use of its LNG technology in remote northern Alaska.
- •The project is at an early stage with undisclosed financial terms and significant regulatory and political risks.
- •Western sanctions on Russia could complicate financing, permitting and execution of any Alaska LNG venture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump ally ties up with Russia's Novatek on natural gas in Alaska, NYT reports
1What is the main topic?
A reported agreement by financier Gentry Beach, a Trump ally, with Russia’s Novatek to pursue an Alaska natural gas project, and how it intersects with sanctions and recent U.S.–Russia talks.
2What did Novatek confirm?
Novatek said it is negotiating potential use of its LNG technology in remote northern Alaska, but did not confirm a formal partnership with Beach.
3What are the key risks to the project?
Sanctions on Russia, regulatory approvals in the U.S., financing challenges, and political scrutiny could all delay or derail any Alaska LNG development tied to this agreement.
