WASHINGTON—The White House says Friday's public disclosure of emails related to the attack on a U.S. compound in Libya is an attempt by Republicans to "politicize" the investigation.

Spokesman Jay Carney says lawmakers have known about the emails since earlier this year. And he disputed the notion that the emails suggest the White House was more involved in the crafting of talking points about the attacks than previously indicated.

The talking points suggested that the attacks on the Benghazi compound were spontaneous. It was later revealed that the attacks were planned.

The emails show White House officials were aware of the concerns from other agencies, including the State Department, about mentioning that specific groups might have been behind the attacks.