Trump Pledges F‑35 Sale to Saudi Arabia as MBS Visits the White House

Overview

• Trump said the U.S. will sell F‑35s to Riyadh during MBS’s first U.S. visit in more than seven years, addressing a Saudi request for up to 48 jets.
• MBS announced a U.S. investment plan of $1 trillion after Trump cited $600 billion, with arrangements highlighted for AI infrastructure, defense deals and civil nuclear cooperation.
• Trump asserted the crown prince “didn’t know anything” about Jamal Khashoggi’s 2018 killing, a stance at odds with a U.S. intelligence finding that MBS approved the operation.
• U.S. and Israeli officials warn the transfer could weaken Israel’s qualitative military edge and risk exposure of F‑35 technology to China, according to a recent DIA assessment.
• The prospective sale remains contingent on Pentagon and export‑control approvals and is subject to congressional review that could block or modify the deal.