Trump Hosts Erdogan Amid F-35 and F-16 Talks

WASHINGTON — Former U.S. President Donald Trump will host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House on Thursday, with discussions expected to focus on military and trade deals, including a potential resolution on Turkiye’s purchase of advanced F-16 and F-35 fighter jets.

Trump indicated on social media that the talks would cover “many Trade and Military Deals,” noting a “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 marks Erdogan’s first visit to the White House since 2019.

During Trump’s first term, Turkiye was removed from the U.S. F-35 program after buying Russia’s S-400 missile system. U.S. officials had raised security concerns that the system could compromise F-35 technology. Turkish officials have already paid $1.4 billion for the jets and have urged the U.S. to lift the hold.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

The U.S.-Turkiye relationship has long been complicated, with tensions over human rights, ties to Russia, and conflicts with Israel over Gaza and Syria. Erdogan has been sharply critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them “genocide” in a recent UN address, which both Israel and the U.S. have disputed.

Under Erdogan, who has led Turkiye as president since 2014, international observers and human rights groups cite ongoing restrictions on democratic freedoms, including crackdowns on journalists, activists, and opposition figures. Despite these concerns, Trump views Erdogan as a strategic partner capable of mediating regional conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and the Middle East.

Trump’s administration has largely aligned with Turkiye’s approach to Syria following the fall of President Bashar Assad, including engagement with former rebel leaders. Erdogan has positioned Turkiye as a stabilizing force in Europe and the Black Sea region, maintaining relations with both Russia and Ukraine.

The White House meeting follows Erdogan’s participation in a summit hosted by Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where leaders of eight Arab and Muslim countries discussed the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Talks at the White House are scheduled for Thursday, with officials indicating that final decisions on F-35 and F-16 sales could be announced in the coming days.