Trump Names Saudi Arabia a Major Non-NATO Ally/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump officially designated Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally during a White House dinner with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The announcement came alongside a $1 trillion Saudi investment pledge and a historic U.S.–Saudi defense agreement. The move marks a major shift in U.S. foreign policy and strengthens military, energy, and economic ties between the two nations.
Quick Look:
- What happened? Trump designated Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally.
- Why now? To deepen defense ties and commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations.
- What’s included? $1 trillion in Saudi investment and a sweeping arms deal.
- Designation: Saudi Arabia named a major non-NATO ally
- Investment: MBS pledges $1 trillion investment into the U.S.
- Defense Deal: Includes $142 billion arms purchase
- Significance: Deepens 80-year U.S.–Saudi alliance
- Security Pact: New strategic military cooperation announced
- Peace Process: Linked to broader Middle East peace agenda
Trump Names Saudi Arabia a Major Non-NATO Ally During White House Dinner with Crown Prince
Deep Look
WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 18, 2025 — President Donald Trump formally designated Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally on Tuesday night, unveiling the move during an official White House dinner honoring 80 years of U.S.–Saudi relations. The announcement, made alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marks a significant escalation in military and economic cooperation between the two countries.
“This designation strengthens a defense partnership that has endured for eight decades,” Trump told the East Room audience. “Tonight, we take it to historic new heights.”
The designation follows a day of high-level meetings and strategic signings that included a landmark $1 trillion investment commitment by Saudi Arabia into the U.S. economy. That investment, doubling a previously announced $600 billion figure, will span sectors including energy, minerals, infrastructure, and artificial intelligence.
Highlights of the U.S.–Saudi Agreement:
- Major Non-NATO Ally Status granted to Saudi Arabia, unlocking enhanced military cooperation.
- $1 Trillion Saudi Investment in U.S. businesses, energy, tech, and infrastructure.
- $142 Billion Arms Deal, billed as the largest in U.S. history.
- New U.S.–Saudi Strategic Defense Pact signed to boost joint military readiness.
- Alignment with Trump’s broader Middle East peace plan, following the Gaza ceasefire deal.
A Night of Diplomatic Milestones
The event celebrated the longstanding alliance between the two nations, dating back to the historic 1945 meeting between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Saudi King Abdul Aziz aboard the USS Quincy.
“That meeting planted the seed for one of the most consequential alliances in modern history,” Trump said. “And tonight, we are bringing that friendship into a new era.”
Bin Salman expressed gratitude for the designation and reiterated his country’s commitment to expanding trade and defense ties. “This is a historic opportunity,” he said. “We will continue to build stronger bridges between our nations.”
Strategic and Political Implications
The designation of major non-NATO ally provides Saudi Arabia with access to U.S. defense technology and enhanced military training while signaling to adversaries, including Iran, that Washington’s alliance with Riyadh is stronger than ever.
Trump also used the dinner to highlight recent military actions, including a B-2 bomber strike targeting an Iranian nuclear site, and praised Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a stabilizing force in the Middle East.
“This alliance is a firewall against chaos,” Trump said, referencing the recently brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. He added that the deal also supports the goals of the newly established “Board of Peace,” an international body chaired by Trump aimed at coordinating post-war reconstruction and diplomacy across the region.
Looking Ahead
While the Biden administration had previously distanced itself from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Trump has taken a more pragmatic approach. Tuesday’s announcements further signal the administration’s belief in bin Salman’s leadership and vision for Saudi Arabia.
“Saudi Arabia is now safer than ever,” Trump said. “And together, we’re building a future that will serve the highest interest of peace and prosperity—for both our nations.”
The evening concluded with a toast from both leaders and a reaffirmation of continued cooperation on defense, economic development, and regional security.
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