Trump Designates Saudi Arabia as Major Non-NATO Ally
Strengthening U.S.-Saudi Defense Ties
On November 18, 2025, President Donald Trump announced his decision to designate Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, a move that signifies a substantial enhancement in defense relations between the United States and the Gulf kingdom. This announcement was made during a black-tie dinner at the White House in honor of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader.
New Strategic Defense Deal
Earlier in the day, Trump and bin Salman finalized a new strategic defense agreement and discussed the forthcoming sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. This designation as a major non-NATO ally could facilitate further collaboration between U.S. and Saudi military forces, providing the kingdom with easier access to American-made military equipment.
“This designation will take our military cooperation to even greater heights,” Trump remarked during his speech. Currently, there are 20 major non-NATO allies, including Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Tunisia, and Jordan.
Economic Collaboration
At the dinner, Trump emphasized the importance of a stronger alliance, stating that it would promote mutual interests and advance peace. The longstanding U.S.-Saudi relationship, which dates back to a historic meeting between King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud and President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945, has been bolstered by shared defense interests, particularly in light of mutual concerns regarding Iran.
Trump’s discussions with bin Salman included plans for Saudi Arabia to purchase hundreds of tanks and military aircraft and to collaborate with the U.S. in artificial intelligence and civil nuclear initiatives. Furthermore, bin Salman committed to increasing his country’s investment in the U.S. from $600 billion to nearly $1 trillion.
Controversies and Human Rights Concerns
Despite the strengthening ties, Saudi Arabia’s human rights record raises significant concerns. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that bin Salman had a role in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was critical of the Saudi regime. In response to questions about Khashoggi’s killing, Trump stated that he believes bin Salman “knew nothing” about the incident and referred to Khashoggi as “extremely controversial.”
During a previous Oval Offstart event, bin Salman expressed a desire for Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords-a series of agreements facilitating normalization between Israel and several Arab nations. He stated, however, that a pathway for a Palestinian state would need to be addressed before proceeding.
Conclusion
As the U.S. and Saudi Arabia embark on this new chapter of military and economic collaboration, the implications for regional stability and international diplomacy remain to be seen. The designation as a major non-NATO ally opens up new opportunities for the partnership, yet underlying human rights issues continue to complicate the narrative surrounding U.S.-Saudi relations.