Key points
- Ties strained over Russia
- Trump backs Turkiye’s regional role
- Erdogan slams Israel at UN
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump will host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House on Thursday, in a meeting that could mark a turning point in strained US-Turkiye ties.
According to AP News the visit comes amid signals from Washington that it may lift its freeze on advanced F-35 fighter jet sales to Ankara, a NATO ally expelled from the programme over its purchase of Russia’s S-400 defence system.
The US suspended Turkey from its F-35 fighter jet programme in retaliation to Ankara’s decision to buy Russia’s S-400 missile defence system. But it’s not as simple as it sounds pic.twitter.com/LlPycGoxtp
— TRT World (@trtworld) July 24, 2019
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US officials have raised concerns that using the Russian technology could expose sensitive F-35 data, potentially reaching Moscow.
However, Trump recently signalled that progress was being made, announcing Erdogan’s visit and stating: “We are working on many Trade and Military Deals with the President, including the large-scale purchase of Boeing aircraft, a major F-16 Deal, and a continuation of the F-35 talks, which we expect to conclude positively.”
This will mark Erdogan’s first White House visit since 2019. Despite the often-fraught relationship between the two nations, Trump has described Erdogan as having a “very good relationship” with him.
Strained ties
Ties between the US and Turkiye have been strained due to concerns over Turkiye’s human rights record and close relations with Russia. Erdogan recently criticised the F-35 block, stating: “I don’t think it’s very becoming of strategic partnership, and I don’t think it’s the right way to go.” Turkish officials note they’ve already paid $1.4 billion for the jets.
If you think the Trump-Erdogan meeting is just just a handshake and photo-op, think again. Erdogan is coming with a wishlist, and top of the list are F-35s.
I break down how high the stakes are with @SinanCiddi on the @GreekCurrent. Tune in here: https://t.co/EREREXt0ob pic.twitter.com/NU8y4FCNek
— Thanos Davelis (@ThanosDavelis) September 24, 2025
Under President Joe Biden, the US maintained a more distant approach towards Erdogan, largely due to Turkiye’s democratic backsliding and alignment with Moscow. Erdogan has faced international criticism for limiting press freedom and jailing journalists, opposition figures, and activists, according to AP News.Trump, however, sees Erdogan as a crucial player, particularly in efforts to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. His administration aligns with Turkiye’s stance on Syria, especially following the fall of Syrian leader Bashar Assad last December. Trump and European leaders have since recognised Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, once a rebel commander.
Regional stabiliser
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Al-Sharaa on Monday during the UN General Assembly.
Erdogan positions Turkiye as a regional stabiliser with ties to both Ukraine and Russia. Yet, the fall of Assad has worsened Turkiye-Israel relations. Trump has urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to act “reasonable” toward Ankara.
On Tuesday, Erdogan joined a Trump-hosted meeting at the UN with Arab and Muslim leaders on Gaza. Criticising Israel, he declared: “This is not a fight against terrorism… This is an occupation, deportation, exile, genocide and life destruction, mass destruction policy carried on by invoking the events of October the 7th.”
