Trump to Elevate Saudi Arabia to ‘Major Non-NATO Ally’

The heightened status will give Saudi Arabia priority access to U.S. military equipment, including F-35 fighter jets.

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman during an official dinner in the East Room of the White House on Nov. 18, 2025. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

President Donald Trump on Nov. 18 announced that the United States would designate Saudi Arabia as a “major non-NATO ally,” representing a substantial elevation of the Muslim kingdom’s diplomatic standing with the United States.

Trump made the announcement for the first time on Tuesday, during a dinner at the White House with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Other high-profile figures such as Elon Musk—who had a public falling-out with Trump earlier this year—and Amazon owner Jeff Bezos were also in attendance.