October 18, 2025 | Washington, D.C.
President Donald Trump has weighed in on a bold infrastructure proposal that envisions a tunnel running beneath the Bering Strait, physically connecting the United States and Russia. Speaking during a press conference at the White House, Trump described the plan as “interesting,” a remark that appeared to leave the door open to future discussions while stopping short of any endorsement or rejection.
The proposal, put forward by Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev, outlines the creation of a 70-mile (112 km) rail and cargo tunnel linking Alaska to Russia’s Chukotka region. The project, potentially to be developed by Elon Musk’s The Boring Company, has been estimated to cost around $8 billion , a dramatic reduction from previous estimates exceeding $65 billion. Advocates of the plan argue that it could transform global trade by creating a new transcontinental route between Asia and North America.
During a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump turned to his counterpart to solicit his view on the idea. Zelenskyy reportedly responded that he was “not happy” with the proposal, drawing light laughter from the room. Trump offered no further comment beyond describing the concept as “interesting,” signaling his administration’s cautious curiosity about the unprecedented project.
The tunnel proposal comes at a time of heightened geopolitical sensitivity. Relations between Washington and Moscow remain tense amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, and analysts view any large-scale cooperation between the two nations as politically complicated. The idea also raises strategic questions regarding Arctic security, energy transport, and control over critical infrastructure that would connect two rival powers.
Proponents of the tunnel argue it could serve as a symbol of postwar cooperation and a bold step toward global connectivity. However, experts in both the U.S. and Europe warn that logistical challenges, extreme Arctic weather conditions, and political opposition could make the project more aspirational than achievable.
Still, Trump’s acknowledgment of the proposal at a public event has thrust the topic into the international spotlight. While the White House has not commented further, some industry observers believe even limited dialogue on such a plan could mark a rare area of potential collaboration between Washington and Moscow amid broader geopolitical divides.reasons.
