WATCH: Psaki deflects questions on why NIH funded Wuhan Virology Lab

Emerald Robinson of Newsmax asked Psaki "Given the questions about that lab [the Wuhan virology lab], why would Dr. Fauci and the US fund that kind of experiments, that kind of research, in a Chinese lab?"

Psaki responded "I'm sorry; I can't hear you super well. Can you repeat the beginning part of your question?"

Robinson responded, "I said that the NIH [National Institute of Health] and Dr. Fauci had provided funding to the Wuhan Lab of Virology. That's the 'lab-leak' question."

".... Given that gain-of-function research is dicey, why would the US fund that in China?"

"I'm happy to send you to the NIH about more specifics of what program they founded and more details of that," answered Psaki.

Robinson asked a follow-up question as to whether President Biden himself thinks that the pandemic was a result of a lab-leak or not.

"Well, the president has said," Psaki replied, "and I have said from here many times, that there needs to be a credible and independent investigation through the World Health Organization, and one that relies on data, relies on participation from China and other countries that may have information. That's certainly something that everyone has called for, and we look forward to that happening."

"Why hasn't the president talked with President Xi about the origins of the coronavirus yet? He said just a few weeks ago that he hadn't yet," pressed Robinson.

"I think we have given a readout of his call, and also that the president believes that there should be an independent investigation held by health experts, and one where data is provided, that's provided transparently to health experts here in the United States, and we look forward to reviewing that."

Robinson tried to get more information, but Psaki raised her voice as she quickly told Robinson "We're gonna have to go on. [to another reporter off-screen] Go ahead. [to Robinson] I'm sorry, I'm out... I think you've had plenty of time today."