Josh Earnest

No indications of change in North Korea's nuclear capabilities

White House spokesman says the United States has no indication that North Korea's nuclear capabilities have changed.

White House: Iran's nuclear marine vessels don't violate deal

White House downplays Iranian President's directive to local scientists to develop systems for nuclear-powered marine vessels.

White House hopes Trump won't exact revenge on Clinton

President Barack Obama hopes president-elect won't use the criminal justice system against Hillary Clinton.

White House denies Iran was allowed to skirt restrictions

White House spokesman dismisses report alleging the U.S. and other powers allowed Iran to ignore restrictions under nuclear deal.

White House: Iran's actions in the Gulf a cause for concern

White House says recent encounters between Iranian vessels and American warships in the Gulf are unacceptable.

White House: Payment to Iran was neither ransom nor leverage

White House acknowledges $400 million payment to Iran was related to the release of American prisoners, but denies it amounted to ransom.

White House plays down alleged Melania Trump plagiarism

White House spokesman Josh Earnest says similarities in Melania Trump's speech to that of First Lady show that American values are shared.

Dallas shooter not connected to terror organizations

White House says that man who killed police officers in Dallas did not have connections to terrorist organizations.

'No coalition aircraft where Hezbollah leader was killed'

White House spokesman says no aircraft from international coalition were in the area where Mustafa Badr al-Din was reportedly killed.

White House backs Biden's criticism of Israel

White House spokesman says there is significant frustration with Israel, after Biden blasts Israel at J Street conference.

White House: Assad role in unity government a 'non-starter'

White House says Syrian President should not be part of any transitional unity government.

White House demands North Korea release American student

The United States accuses North Korea of jailing an American student for political reasons, calls for his release.

White House believes Levinson is no longer in Iran

White House spokesman says the administration has “reason to believe” missing former FBI agent is no longer in Iran.

White House: We're not yet ready to lift sanctions on Iran

White House says Iran's compliance with the nuclear deal has not yet been verified.

White House denies there was an apology to Iran

White House spokesman says the United States "certainly" did not apologize to Iran after 10 sailors accidentally entered Iranian waters.

Washington doubtful North Korea tested an 'H-bomb'

Officials in Washington confirm North Korea carried out a nuclear deal but are skeptical it tested a hydrogen bomb.

Watch: White House hints Clinton would be 'Obama 2.0'

Spokesperson Earnest admits that Obama and Clinton have almost the same foreign policy, even as Obama's approval plummets.

White House 'relieved' Trump postponed Israel trip

White House spokesman welcomes Trump's postponement of his Israel trip, says the trip could have inflamed the Middle East.

White House: Iranian missile tests 'a source of concern'

White House spokesman says Washington is looking into reports Iran violated UN resolutions with yet another ballistic missile test.

Watch: White House 'disqualifies' Trump

Press secretary says call to ban Muslim entry is 'disqualifying,' Republicans who don't renounce support pledges 'also disqualified.'

White House: Trump's comments 'contrary to American values'

White House officials condemn Donald Trump's call to ban Muslims from entering the United States.

Obama spokesman admits: Two-state solution unlikely

White House spokesman says the administration has concluded that the two-state solution can't be reached before Obama leaves office.

White House 'concerned' over alleged plans for eastern Jerusalem

White House spokesman objects to Netanyahu's reported plan to take away ID cards from Jerusalem Arabs.

White House: Iran Missile Test Violated UN Resolution

United States admits a recent Iranian missile test was a violation of a UN resolution, but says nuclear deal will not be affected.

White House 'Concerned' Over Ongoing Violence

White House spokesman urges Israelis and Palestinians to restore calm amid ongoing terrorism.

White House: Iran Cooperating with IAEA, Thanks to the Sanctions

White House spokesman says Iran is cooperating with UN inspectors, doesn't address fact that Iran self-inspected Parchin.

White House: Sanctions Relief - Only if Iran Complies with Deal

White House spokesman says Iran will only see sanctions relief if it complies with the nuclear deal.

White House 'Encouraged' by Support for Iran Deal

White House welcomes support in the Senate for Iran agreement, says it will keep working with lawmakers to more backing.

White House 'Confident' it Has Support in Congress for Iran Deal

White House spokesman believes there is enough support in Congress to sustain a veto of a resolution to reject Iran agreement.

Watch: Spokesman Caught Lying About Obama's War-Monger Jab

Press Sec. claims on national TV Obama didn't compare Republicans to Iranians chanting 'death to America' - and gets corrected.

US May Take 'Additional Steps' to Defend Syria Allies

White House threatens Syrian regime not to interfere with US-backed groups after Al Qaeda affiliate kidnaps soldiers.

Iranian Official Accuses Americans of Violating the Nuclear Deal

Senior Iranian official says Washington violating nuclear deal by stating that military option is still on the table.

White House: Military Options Remain Available Regarding Iran

White House spokesman says military options remain available regarding Iran, but the administration is pursuing diplomacy first.

Will US Lift Iran Arms Embargo? White House Ducks and Weaves

Press Secretary Earnest bobs around whether Obama will lift arms embargo on leading terror sponsor, finally admits the issue is 'opaque.'

White House: We've Never Been Closer to Agreement with Iran

White House spokesman says that while an agreement with Iran is close, negotiators should come home if key issues not resolved soon.

White House Reaffirms Israel's Right to Self-Defense

White House reaffirms Israel’s right to self-defense after UN report on Gaza, adds it awaits "further outcomes" of Israel's investigation.

White House Celebrates 'Jerusalem Not Israel' Ruling

Press Secretary Earnest welcomes passport ruling at Supreme Court, saying it gives president authority to recognize borders.

White House: Israel Has the Right to Defend Itself

White House reaffirms Washington’s support for Israel's right to defend itself after Israel retaliates for rocket attack on Ashkelon.

White House Concerned Over Syrian Chemical Weapons

White House concerned over the fact that undeclared traces of chemical weapons were found in Syria.

White House: 'Too Soon' to Tell if ISIS Behind Texas Shooting

White House spokesman says Texas shooting is still under investigation and it's too early to determine if ISIS was responsible.

White House: Russia Selling S-300 to Iran Because it Needs Money

White House spokesman says Moscow's move to supply S-300 to Iran shows the weakness of Russia's economy after being hit by sanctions.

White House: US 'to Reevaluate' Backing for Israel at UN

White House slams Netanyahu for statements opposing Palestinian state, threatens pulling UN veto of PA recognition.

Obama Still Has Not Called Netanyahu to Congratulate Him

Kerry makes post-victory call to Netanyahu instead; cold response attributed to declaration against two-state solution.

White House: Netanyahu Speech Won't Complicate Iran Talks

White House spokesman Josh Earnest says Netanyahu's Congress speech "shouldn't" complicate Iran-West talks.

US Admonishes Israel not to 'Betray' its Trust

Top spokespeople warn against revealing details, after Israeli official says Netanyahu will outline Iran deal in Congress.

White House: Netanyahu Visit Won't Affect Iran Talks

White House spokesman downplays notion that Netanyahu speech will affect Iran talks, adds the Israeli PM is only offering military action.

White House Backs Rice's Comments on Bibi Speech

White House spokesman says Susan Rice's comments are "entirely consistent with what the President has already said".

White House: US-Israel Tensions over Iran 'False' Reports

White House denies it is withholding information on Iran - and accuses Israeli media of 'cherry-picking' the facts.

White House Finally Admits Error: Paris Attack was Anti-Semitic

White House spox finally stops justifying comment by Obama which suggested attack on kosher supermarket was just 'random'.

Awkward: Obama Spokesman Defends Downplaying of Paris Attack

White House spokesman tries to explain president's claims Paris kosher attack was 'random', terrorism threat overstated.

Did Obama Lie about Netanyahu Congress Invitation?

It now turns out the White House was told of the invitation extended to the PM before Netanyahu accepted it, not after.

White House Blasts 'Illegitimate' Israeli Construction

White House spokesman warns new Israeli construction will "have detrimental impacts on the ground".

'We're Committed to Israel's Security', Reiterates White House

White House spokesman says Obama's refusal to meet Netanyahu is only because of the timing of his visit.

White House Cold Over Netanyahu Address to Congress

White House says PM's address to Congress 'departs from protocol' after it says Israel has not given advance notice of the invitation.

US Condemns Charlie Hebdo Attack, Volunteers to Help Paris

'The US stands ready to work closely with the French' to help probe the attack, US President Barack Obama says Wednesday.

White House Won't Comment on Obama Letter to Khamenei

White House spokesman says policy toward Iran remains unchanged, refuses to address report that Obama wrote to Khamenei.

US Slammed for Calling Israeli Land Purchase 'Occupation'

Strong criticism leveled on White House 'harsh rhetoric' against Jerusalem housing plans, and false use of term 'occupation.'

U.S.: Jerusalem Construction 'Poisons' the Atmosphere

State Department uses unusually harsh language when criticizing Israel’s approval of 2,610 homes in Jerusalem.

White House Insists: No Ground Forces in Iraq

Despite comments by General Dempsey, White House spokesman insists the U.S. will not deploy ground forces against IS in Iraq.

White House Scrambles to Defend 'No Strategy' on IS Line

White House spokesman claims key word of 'yet' was missing in Obama's ambivalent remarks on Syria plans, as criticism grows.