Larry Kudlow, the top economic advisor for the White House, on Sunday defended Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin's plan to attend an economic conference in Saudi Arabia this month despite rising tensions between the U.S. and that country.

"He's intending to go because of the importance of the issue of ending terrorist financing," Kudlow said of Mnuchin on ABC's "This Week."

"But, again, along with the president and the general investigation, Mr. Mnuchin will make up his mind as the week progresses and as new information surfaces," Kudlow added.

.@GStephanopoulos: Is it appropriate for Treasury Secretary Mnuchin to attend the investor conference in Saudi Arabia?



Director of White House National Economic Council Larry Kudlow: "He's intending to go because of the importance of the issue of ending terrorist financing" pic.twitter.com/5HNdzO7rvH — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) October 14, 2018

Mnuchin has fallen under fire for his intention to attend the conference, after allegations arose that Saudi Arabia had murdered a Saudi journalist in its consulate in Istanbul earlier this month.

Jamal Khashoggi, who has penned pieces critical of the Saudi government, disappeared after entering the consulate on Oct. 2 to obtain papers for his marriage certificate.

Turkish officials say he was murdered and dismembered within the building by Saudi operatives.

ADVERTISEMENT

Saudi officials have denied the allegation and asserted that Khashoggi left the consulate that day.

According to a Washington Post report Wednesday, U.S. intelligence officials uncovered communications between Saudi officials regarding a plan to lure Khashoggi to Saudi Arabia and detain him, under orders from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Kudlow emphasized earlier Sunday that President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE will deal with Saudi Arabia severely if the allegations that they harmed Khashoggi are found to be true.