Karoline Leavitt Responds To Possible Saudi Nuclear Deal

Leavitt emphasized, “Yes, this deal with Saudi Arabia, the energy deal, is contingent on this condition, as far as the president is concerned.”

NBC News correspondent Gabe Gutierrez asked, “Why was that condition not mentioned yesterday when the Energy secretary announced it?”

“Look, the president is always the final deal maker, as you know, and this is something he has mentioned on numerous occasions going back. I can provide you with those statements, and he has said if they don’t join the Abraham Accords the deal is off. So we’ll continue to have those conversations with our Saudi counterparts moving forward,” Leavitt answered.

“So, the deal is dead if Saudi Arabia doesn’t join in? And have you any indication that Saudi Arabia is even considering this?” Gutierrez followed up.

“No, again, the president has spoken directly with the Saudis about this in numerous conversations in the past, and the administration will continue to engage in those conversations,” Leavitt maintained.

Leavitt called on the next reporter, but Gutierrez pressed, “Will they be exempt from international inspections as part of this deal as it moves forward?”

“I don’t want to comment on the specifics of the deal,” said a more agitated Leavitt. “As we’re still again, as I just said, talking, especially about this very important condition the president raised this morning.”