Washington, November 18, 2025 – The Europe Today: U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday confirmed that the United States intends to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, just one day before his scheduled meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House.
“I will say that we will be doing that, we’ll be selling F-35s, yeah,” President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked whether the U.S. would move forward with the sale. He added that Saudi Arabia “want to buy” the aircraft and described the kingdom as “a great ally,” according to media reports.
The announcement comes as the president seeks to finalize major business and national security agreements with Saudi Arabia during the crown prince’s visit. President Trump and his senior adviser Jared Kushner have cultivated close ties with Saudi leaders, viewing them—particularly Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—as key partners in promoting regional stability and advancing U.S. economic interests in the Middle East.
The crown prince’s visit to the White House is expected to feature an Oval Office meeting followed by a working lunch, consistent with recent engagements the president has held with other foreign leaders. Additionally, the White House will host a black-tie dinner on Tuesday evening, though it will not carry the formal designation of a state dinner.
