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From the Liveblog of
Monday, November 17, 2025
From the Liveblog of
Monday, November 17, 2025
Trump leaning toward agreeing to sell F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia — White House official
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A squadron of US Air Force F-35 Lightning II aircraft flyover at the White House, September 3, 2025. (AP/ Alex Brandon)
US President Donald Trump is leaning toward supporting the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a senior White House official says.
Trump on Friday said that he was considering agreeing to the deal.
The development comes as Trump plans to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House tomorrow, when they are expected to sign economic and defense agreements.
A Pentagon intelligence report has raised concerns over the potential F-35 deal, warning that China could acquire the aircraft’s technology if the sale proceeds, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the assessment.
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