Trump Elevates Saudi Arabia to “Major Non-NATO Ally” Status – F-35 Jets Approved + $1 Trillion Investment Surge Announced
Historic White House dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman seals dramatic upgrade in U.S.–Saudi relations
Key Outcomes of the Historic Deal
- ✅ Saudi Arabia now joins an elite list of 20 nations (including Israel, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Japan, South Korea) with MNNA status
- ✅ Priority access to America’s most advanced weapons – including the F-35 stealth fighter jets
- ✅ Saudi investment in the United States jumps from $600 billion to $1 TRILLION over the coming years
- ✅ Focus on AI, data centers, semiconductors, clean energy, and critical minerals
F-35 Flyover & Oval Office Praise
As Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived at the White House, U.S. Air Force F-35s performed a dramatic flyover – a symbolic preview of what is now officially approved for export to Riyadh.
Inside the Oval Office, Trump declared the U.S. “the hottest country on the planet right now,” a phrase immediately echoed by MBS.
What “Major Non-NATO Ally” Status Actually Means
- Fast-track defense sales and technology transfers
- Joint military training and exercises
- Eligibility for U.S. funding for defense research
- Priority delivery of Excess Defense Articles
- Stronger diplomatic and economic cooperation
Human Rights Concerns & Khashoggi Case Revisited
President Trump openly dismissed the 2021 U.S. intelligence conclusion that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, stating: “I believe he knew nothing about it.”
MBS called the incident “really painful” and reiterated his denial of any involvement.
Abraham Accords & Middle East Peace
While no immediate commitment was made to formally join the Abraham Accords, Trump described discussions on regional peace as “very good.” Analysts see the MNNA designation as a major step toward eventual Saudi–Israeli normalization.
Full List of Current Major Non-NATO Allies (After Saudi Arabia)
Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, and now Saudi Arabia.
