Trump Tells Congress He Plans $700 Million Jet Engine Sale to Turkey

President Donald Trump told Congress on Friday that he intends to sell Turkey jet engines worth more than $700 million. The move had first been reported on Wednesday, when officials said the Trump administration was preparing to advance the sale despite objections from some lawmakers over Turkey's continued possession of Russian air defense systems bought in 2019.

The proposed sale is seen as a significant gesture toward Ankara ahead of a crucial NATO summit due to take place in Turkey next month. It is also viewed as a signal to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom Trump regards as a key ally.

Trump spoke about Erdogan last Wednesday in the Oval Office beside the NATO secretary general, saying Erdogan had been a leading candidate to enter a war with Iran, and perhaps even side with Iran, because he is not a major fan of Israel. Trump said he had asked Erdogan not to join the fighting, and Erdogan did not do so.

Trump later called Erdogan “a great leader” and “a very strong man, with an excellent army.” He also said that on his expected trip to Turkey, he would probably do something that would make Erdogan and Turkey very happy.