US President Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to the White House on Tuesday for a warm, high-profile meeting, featuring handshakes, back pats, a fighter jet display, an honor guard, and an East Room dinner. The visit marked MBS’s first White House appearance since the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a case that continues to draw scrutiny.

During the meeting, Trump downplayed questions about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, praised MBS’s leadership, and announced hundreds of billions of dollars in new Saudi investment in the United States, raising total planned investment from $600 billion to $1 trillion.

Key outcomes and announcements from the visit included:

1. F-35 Fighter Jet Sale: Trump confirmed the sale of F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia, stating Israel’s qualitative military edge would remain unaffected. Israeli officials indicated they would not object, provided Riyadh normalizes relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords. MBS emphasized Saudi support for the Abraham Accords contingent on a clear path to a two-state solution for Palestinians.
2. Military and Security Agreements: The US and Saudi Arabia agreed to finalize a broader military and security pact and advance a civilian nuclear deal, which has raised concerns in Israel.
3. Major Non-NATO Ally Status: Trump designated Saudi Arabia as a Major Non-NATO Ally, granting strategic and defense-related benefits, priority access to certain military equipment, and the ability to engage in joint research initiatives.
4. Tank Purchase Agreement: Saudi Arabia signed an agreement to purchase nearly 300 US tanks.
5. Khashoggi Case Remarks: Trump described the killing of Jamal Khashoggi as “extremely controversial,” claiming MBS was unaware of it. MBS responded that Saudi Arabia conducted thorough investigations, improved systems to prevent recurrence, and called the incident “painful” and a “huge mistake.”
6. Investment and Economic Commitments: The Crown Prince pledged to significantly increase Saudi investment in the US, boosting economic ties between the two nations.
7. 9/11 Comments: MBS remarked that Osama bin Laden orchestrated the 9/11 attacks to damage US–Saudi relations, asserting that Saudi efforts aim to prevent such incidents in the future.

The White House visit, ceremonial grandeur, and agreements underscore strong US–Saudi strategic and economic cooperation, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship.