Trump Signals Openness to Selling F-35 Jets to Turkey Amid NATO Summit in Ankara

U.S. President Donald Trump met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday at the start of the NATO summit, focusing on the potential reinstatement of Turkey into the F-35 fighter jet program. Despite strong opposition from Israel, Trump expressed no reservations about selling the advanced aircraft to Turkey but stopped short of confirming a deal, stating, "We will definitely consider it. It’s a decision we have to make. We have good relations." He praised the F-35 as "the best plane by far."

Erdogan noted that the F-35 issue is not new and claimed Turkey had already been promised five jets. Trump complimented Erdogan as a respected global leader and emphasized their good chemistry. The two leaders planned to discuss trade, military cooperation, and regional issues including Israel and Iran, with Trump reiterating that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. He also highlighted Turkey’s growing military strength.

Trump sharply criticized European NATO members for insufficient support, hinting at further U.S. troop withdrawals from Europe. He expressed disappointment with NATO and suggested he might not have attended the summit if it were not held in Turkey under Erdogan’s leadership.

Israel closely monitors the possibility of Turkey receiving the F-35 jets. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the U.S. not to approve the sale, condemning Erdogan’s regime as aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood and hostile to Israel. Netanyahu accused Turkey of funding Hamas and threatening regional stability. Israeli officials also criticized U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barkey for allegedly advancing Erdogan’s interests in Washington, while hoping other U.S. officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio would oppose the deal.