Trump says designating Saudi Arabia major non-NATO ally

Crown Prince says raising Saudi investment in the US to $1 trillion, from $600 billion

Last updated: November 19, 2025 | 06:11

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Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia delivers remarks with U.S. President Donald Trump during a dinner in the East Room at the White House on November 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump is hosting the Crown Prince for meetings aimed at strengthening economic and defense ties, including the US sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

AFP

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he was designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, as he hosted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for a gala dinner at the White House.

"Tonight, I'm pleased to announce that we're taking our military cooperation to even greater heights by formally designating Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, which is something that is very important to them," Trump said.

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"And I'm just telling you now for the first time, because they wanted to keep a little secret for tonight," Trump said of the designation, which only 19 other countries have previously received.

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