Trump Hosts Turkey’s Erdogan at White House to Revive F-35 Talks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House amid renewed talks of lifting the U.S. ban on F-35 fighter jet sales to Turkey. The visit signals a potential reset in U.S.-Turkey relations after years of tension over Ankara’s ties to Russia. Erdogan is pushing hard for reinstatement into the F-35 program after a $1.4 billion payment and years of exclusion.
Trump-Erdogan F-35 Talks Quick Looks
- Erdogan visits the White House for first time since 2019.
- Trump hints at resuming F-35 sales to Turkey.
- Turkey was previously removed from F-35 program over Russian arms deal.
- Erdogan criticizes U.S. suspension, calls it unbefitting of strategic allies.
- Trump and Erdogan emphasize military and trade cooperation.
- F-16 and Boeing aircraft sales also part of discussions.
- Turkey seeks stronger role in Syria, Ukraine, and Gaza diplomacy.
- Trump aligns with Erdogan’s regional strategy post-Assad.
- Erdogan slams Israel’s actions in Gaza at U.N.
- Human rights concerns continue to cloud Turkey’s global image.
Deep Look: Trump Hosts Erdogan as U.S. Reconsiders Turkey’s F-35 Ban
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump welcomed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the White House on Thursday, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy as discussions resume over Turkey’s exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet program.
The high-stakes meeting comes as Trump floats the idea of lifting the ban imposed during his first administration, which was triggered by Turkey’s controversial purchase of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system. That decision led to Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program over fears the Russian system could compromise the jet’s stealth capabilities.
Now, Trump appears open to re-engaging with Ankara. In a recent social media post, he said the two nations were progressing on “many Trade and Military Deals,” including a large Boeing aircraft purchase, a significant F-16 package, and a “continuation of the F-35 talks, which we expect to conclude positively.”
The White House meeting, which included lunch between the two leaders, was Erdogan’s first official visit since 2019. Trump has previously praised their relationship as a “very good one,” despite years of turbulence between the NATO allies.
F-35 Controversy Rekindled
Turkey had invested $1.4 billion into the F-35 program before its expulsion in 2019. Erdogan has repeatedly argued that the suspension is unjustified and unbecoming of a strategic alliance.
“This is not how strategic partners behave,” Erdogan stated during a recent interview on Fox News Channel’s Special Report with Bret Baier.
Although Trump’s renewed willingness to engage on the matter marks a dramatic contrast from the Biden administration’s more cautious approach, critics note that major concerns remain — especially regarding Turkey’s ongoing relationship with Russia and its record on human rights and democratic governance.
From Cold Shoulder to Open Arms
During President Joe Biden’s tenure, the White House maintained distance from Erdogan, citing concerns over democratic backsliding, repression of opposition figures, and Ankara’s close relations with Moscow. Erdogan’s government has long faced criticism for jailing journalists, undermining judicial independence, and using anti-terror laws to silence dissent.
However, Trump views Erdogan differently. He sees the Turkish leader as a crucial geopolitical intermediary, particularly in regions experiencing acute instability, such as Syria, Ukraine, and Gaza.
The Trump administration has backed Turkey’s growing influence in post-war Syria, especially following the fall of long-time Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. Trump has also adopted Turkey’s posture in embracing Ahmad al-Sharaa, Assad’s successor and former rebel leader, who has begun re-integrating Syria into the international community.
Earlier this week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly — a clear sign of Washington’s evolving stance in the region.
Turkey’s Expanding Diplomatic Footprint
Erdogan is aiming to position Turkey as a bridge between East and West, leveraging its NATO membership and strategic location to mediate regional conflicts. Turkish officials point to their ongoing ties with both Ukraine and Russia as evidence of Ankara’s unique value to Western security interests.
In Syria, Turkey continues to play an outsized role. Rebel groups supported by Ankara during the civil war are now part of the country’s transitional government under al-Sharaa. However, the new dynamics have only exacerbated tensions between Turkey and Israel, with both countries holding opposing views on Syria’s future.
Trump has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take a more measured approach in his dealings with Erdogan’s government, even as relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv teeter on the edge.
Erdogan’s Harsh Criticism of Israel
Erdogan has remained one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. At the U.N. General Assembly this week, he joined Trump and other leaders from Arab and Muslim-majority countries for a private meeting on the two-year-old conflict.
In his public address, Erdogan accused Israel of committing genocide — a claim strongly rejected by both Israeli and U.S. officials.
“This is not a fight against terrorism,” Erdogan declared. “This is occupation, deportation, exile, genocide, and a policy of mass destruction conducted under the pretext of October 7.”
His remarks referenced the 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel that left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 kidnapped. Since then, over 65,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, and 90% of homes in Gaza have been destroyed, according to figures from the Gaza Health Ministry.
Reset or Risk?
The Trump-Erdogan meeting could mark a turning point in U.S.-Turkey relations, with potential for renewed defense deals, strategic coordination in conflict zones, and deeper economic ties. However, the path forward remains complex, shadowed by Turkey’s autocratic trends, Erdogan’s anti-Israel rhetoric, and unresolved issues surrounding the original F-35 rift.
As Washington re-evaluates its defense posture and alliances amid global uncertainty, Erdogan’s visit may signal that Turkey is once again in play as a pivotal U.S. partner — or a persistent geopolitical dilemma.
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