The LIV tour, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, became a lightning rod for controversy in 2022 over claims Saudi Arabia is attempting to"sports wash" its human rights record. Former President Donald Trump personally partnered with LIV and hosted multiple tournaments at his private clubs over the past two seasons.
Kirby deferred questions on the topic back to the Saudi government, and Jean-Pierre reiterated President Joe Biden's commitment to protecting human rights in nations across the globe. "I'm going to be in line with my NSC colleague and say the same. I'm not going to be commenting on that particular merger. So we don't have anything to share at this time," Jean-Pierre added."When it comes to human rights, as we have said over and over again, this is something that the president has been very clear about and has brought that up with leaders that he's met with.