Karoline Leavitt hits back at NBC reporter raising war crime concerns over Trump’s fresh Iran threat

WASHINGTON, DC: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt once again defended President Donald Trump during her press briefing on March 30.

The tense exchange occurred after NBC White House correspondent Garrett Haake questioned Leavitt about Trump’s latest threat to Iran.

According to Trump’s Monday morning Truth Social post, the commander-in-chief issued a chilling threat to Iran, which some critics say crossed a line.

Leavitt says Trump administration will always act within the law

During a press briefing, NBC reporter Garrett Haake questioned Leavitt about President Trump’s recent statements regarding Iran. 

Haake pointed out, "The president posted this morning about his threat that on leaving Iran he said blowing up and completely obliterating all of their electric generating plants, oil wells, hard island, and possibly all desalination plants. Under international law, striking civilian infrastructure like that is generally prohibited." 

He then questioned, "Why is the president threatening what would amount to potentially a war crime with the US military? And how do you square that with the administration repeatedly saying that the US does not target civilians?"

Leavitt responded, "Look, the President has made it quite clear to the Iranian regime at this moment in time, as evidenced by the statement that you just read, that their best move is to make a deal, or else the United States Armed Forces has capabilities beyond their wildest imagination and the President is not afraid to use them.”

When Haake pressed further, asking if this could include potential war crimes, Leavitt denied it and emphasized that the administration and military always operate within the law. "And you’re saying the word potential for a reason, because I’m sure some experts are telling you that in your ear, to try to ask me that question. Of course, this administration and the United States Armed Forces will always act within the confines of the law. " 

She added, "But with respect to achieving the full objectives of Operation Epic Fury, President Trump is going to move forward unabated, and he expects the Iranian regime to make a deal with the administration."

When Haake tried to follow up by asking which objectives would justify attacking a desalination plant, Leavitt ignored him and called on another reporter.

Karoline Leavitt says Trump’s actions in the Iran war are for young people

This is not the first time Karoline Leavitt has defended President Trump since becoming White House Press Secretary. Recently, she defended him over the situation in Iran, saying he is acting for the benefit of young Americans.

Her recent comments came during the March 25 press briefing, when reporter Gabe Fleisher of Wake Up To Politics asked, “Now, with the war taking place and with gas prices going up, I'm curious what President Trump's message would be to those voters.”

Leavitt quickly supported Trump, saying, “President Trump is doing this for you. He's doing this for young people so that we are no longer threatened by a rogue t*****ist regime in the Middle East that seeks to kill the brave men and women who serve in our country in the Middle East.”

She also praised Trump for his courage to step up and protect “our national and homeland security.” Leavitt added that the administration is working to bring gas prices back down, saying, “We're continuing to do that every day, and we're going to see prices at the pump go back down just as we have over the past year because of this president." 

She shared, "And don't think for one second that if the Democrats had their way, gas prices would be as they were under the previous administration, the Biden administration, record highs. This president is keeping them as low as he can during this short-term combat operation, and they're going to go right back down when this is over.”