WASHINGTON — The White House confirmed Thursday that discussions are ongoing regarding a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the matter during a press briefing, framing the potential deal as a strategic victory for American energy sector workers and a critical component of maintaining U.S. hegemony against adversarial powers.
Energy Policy and American Primacy
Leavitt declined to confirm specific details of a finalized 123 Agreement, which would be required for the transfer of U.S. nuclear technology. However, she did not deny that negotiations are advancing. “The President believes American technology, specifically our unrivaled nuclear and coal capabilities, is the gold standard,” Leavitt stated. “Any agreement will prioritize American intellectual property and ensure our domestic energy industry is not undermined by foreign interests.”
Economic nationalists have long criticized past trade deals for exporting American jobs. The administration appears to be signaling that any nuclear transfer would benefit U.S. firms like Westinghouse, securing high-paying domestic jobs while locking Russia and China out of the competitive Middle Eastern market. The total government cost of subsidizing foreign nuclear builds remains a point of contention, though Leavitt insisted taxpayers would not foot the bill for foreign enrichment facilities.
“We have a fleeting window to dominate the global nuclear supply chain before state-backed Russian and Chinese entities lock in perpetual dependency on their technology. The logistical framework must serve American industry, not merely foreign energy demands.”
Adversarial Stance on China’s Tech Sector
Simultaneously, Leavitt addressed the rapid advancement of Chinese artificial intelligence, reiterating that the administration views it as a direct threat to national sovereignty. She confirmed that export controls on advanced semiconductors remain non-negotiable until China’s economic warfare tactics cease.
The press secretary dismissed accusations that the U.S. is falling behind in the AI race, pointing to domestic innovation. The briefing also touched upon election integrity concerns, specifically regarding voter roll maintenance in New Jersey, though Leavitt did not offer new data on federal interventions.