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Snapshot 5:Tue, Nov 18, 2025 5:51:46 PM GMT last edited by Haakan

Trump to Sell F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia Amid Crown Prince Visit

Trump to Sell F-35 Jets to Saudi Arabia Amid Crown Prince Visit

Above: US President Donald Trump welcomed Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC., on November 18, 2025. Image credit: Saul Loeb/COntributor/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Trump's F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia represents smart dealmaking that strengthens America's position in the Middle East. The Saudis have been a great ally and deserve access to advanced defense technology, especially as Iran's proxy network has been weakened and regional dynamics favor lasting peace. This strategic partnership unlocks $600 billion in Saudi investment while positioning America to broker historic normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel through the Abraham Accords.

Trump's F-35 deal with the murderous Saudi regime exposes dangerous corruption where business interests drive military policy. The crown prince who ordered Khashoggi's killing now gets cutting-edge weapons while Trump's family pursues massive real estate deals with the kingdom. This reckless sale risks giving China access to sensitive technology and undermines Israel's security advantage, all while rewarding an autocratic petrostate with an abysmal human rights record.

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 42% chance Israel and Saudi Arabia will normalize relations during Donald Trump's second presidency, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


The Controversies



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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0