Trump Designates Saudi Arabia as Major Non-NATO Ally Amid $1 Trillion Investment Pledge

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has officially designated Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, a status that enhances military and strategic cooperation between the two countries. The announcement comes as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged nearly $1 trillion in investments in the United States, signaling a deepening of economic and defense partnerships.

The designation, confirmed by administration officials, grants Saudi Arabia access to certain U.S. defense benefits typically reserved for close allies, including priority delivery of military surplus and participation in cooperative defense research. This move marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward the Gulf kingdom, which has long been a key regional partner but has faced criticism over human rights concerns and its role in regional conflicts.

The announcement has reignited debate over the U.S.-Saudi relationship, particularly after Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a former National Security Council official, called for the public release of the transcript of a phone call between Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Vindman’s request has brought renewed attention to the complexities and controversies surrounding the bilateral relationship, including questions about transparency and accountability.

The nearly $1 trillion investment pledge by the Saudi crown prince, outlined during recent talks with U.S. officials, is expected to span multiple sectors including technology, infrastructure, and energy. This commitment aims to bolster economic ties and create new opportunities for American businesses, while also supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy away from oil dependence.

Analysts note that the major non-NATO ally status will facilitate closer military collaboration, including joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and potential arms sales. However, the designation has drawn criticism from some lawmakers and advocacy groups who argue that it overlooks ongoing concerns related to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and its involvement in the Yemen conflict.

The Trump administration has emphasized the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia in countering Iranian influence in the Middle East and maintaining regional stability. Officials said the new status and investment commitments reflect a recalibrated approach to U.S. engagement with the kingdom, balancing economic interests with security priorities.

Vindman’s call to release the transcript stems from his concerns about the nature of the discussions between Trump and Mohammed bin Salman. He has argued that greater transparency is necessary to fully understand the implications of the U.S.-Saudi relationship, especially given past controversies involving the crown prince.

The White House has not indicated whether it will make the transcript public. Meanwhile, the designation of Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally is expected to have lasting impacts on defense cooperation and diplomatic ties.

As the U.S. and Saudi Arabia move forward with this enhanced partnership, observers will be watching closely to see how the relationship evolves amid ongoing regional tensions and domestic scrutiny in both countries.