Press Briefing: Karoline Leavitt Speaks to Reporters Outside the White House - February 4, 2025

Question 00:00:00-00:00:01 (1 sec)

Hi, Karoline.

Karoline Leavitt 00:00:01-00:00:02 (1 sec)

Hey, Elena, how are you?

Question 00:00:02-00:00:03 (1 sec)

I'm good. Can we ask you a couple questions?

Yes, sure.

Question 00:00:04-00:00:18 (13 sec)

I wanted to ask first, I saw that Israeli media is reporting that the president is expected to watch a documentary -- a documentary of Hamas's October 7th tragedies. And that Steve Witkoff has actually recommended he watch that --

OK.

Question 00:00:19-00:00:23 (4 sec)

-- before he meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Do you know if he's seen that documentary?

I have not heard that report nor have I been made aware if the president has seen that or not, but I can check. And as for Mr. Witkoff, I think you'll be hearing from him out here today. We're going to try to make him available to talk to the press.

Question 00:00:35-00:00:49 (14 sec)

Right. And also, just about China and the tariffs. One, is there any update on when the president is expected to speak with President Xi? And also, any reaction to their, you know, 10 to 15 percent tariffs that they've now imposed in retaliation?

I don't have any updates on when that call will take place. As you heard from the president yesterday, it is being scheduled and will happen very soon. But the president made it very clear with the 10 percent tariff on China that he is not going to allow China to continue to source and distribute deadly fentanyl into our country.

That was the reason for this tariff. It was a retaliatory tariff on China for the last four years of their unprecedented distribution of fentanyl into our nation's borders. So, when that call happens, we will provide a readout like we always do.

Question 00:01:18-00:01:26 (7 sec)

And also -- go ahead. What do you expect from Netanyahu's visit? Why isn't the president confident that the truth will hold?

Well, I think you'll hear more from both President Trump and the prime minister later this afternoon. And I think the fact that this is the first working visit from a foreign leader here at the White House shows that President Trump will continue to stand strongly with Israel. And he is wholeheartedly committed to ensuring all of the hostages return home and standing with our Israeli allies.

Thank you, guys.

Question 00:01:47-00:01:52 (5 sec)

RFK Jr faces a critical vote today.

Yes.

Question 00:01:53-00:01:57 (4 sec)

Do you have any [Inaudible]

I feel great. [Inaudible] a very popular slogan [Inaudible] country. And there's tens of millions of Americans who are hopeful that RFK Jr will be the next HHS secretary and we expect all Senate Republicans to stand tough and strong and vote for him.

Question 00:02:13-00:02:15 (3 sec)

When can we expect the talks with China today?