Erdoğan and Former President Trump Meet at White House to Discuss F-35s and Bilateral Ties

High-Stakes Meeting at the White House

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held talks with former US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, September 25, 2025, marking Erdoğan's first visit to the White House since 2019. The high-profile meeting focused on mending strained bilateral ties, with a central topic being the potential lifting of the ban on F-35 fighter jet sales to Turkey and other defense industry matters.

Background of the F-35 Ban

Turkey, a NATO ally, was removed from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program during Trump's first term after it acquired the Russian S-400 air defense system in 2019. US officials expressed concerns that the S-400 system could be used to gather sensitive data on the F-35's advanced capabilities, potentially compromising the stealth fighter's security and sharing information with Moscow. The United States and other F-35 partners deemed the F-35 and S-400 incompatible. This decision led to Turkey's removal from the F-35 program, costing the country an estimated $9 billion in projected work share related to the F-35 over the life of the program and canceling its order for 100 F-35As.

Discussions on Defense and Trade

During the recent meeting, discussions centered on a possible resolution to the F-35 dispute. Former President Trump expressed optimism about his ability to lift the six-year-old ban, stating, 'I could do so easily if I want. We may do that.' He indicated that a resolution could be found, telling Erdoğan, 'And I think you'll be successful with buying the things' you would 'like to buy.' Beyond the F-35s, the agenda included potential deals for Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70s, large-scale purchases of Boeing commercial aircraft, and liquefied natural gas, with Turkish officials suggesting these could total over $50 billion. These potential agreements aim to repair the fractious ties between the two NATO members.

Broader Context of US-Turkey Relations

The relationship between the US and Turkey has been marked by various tensions since 2019, including disputes over Washington's support for Kurdish forces in Syria, Ankara's rapprochement with Russia, and diverging views on regional policies. Concerns about Turkey's human rights record and democratic backsliding have also been noted by international observers. Despite these challenges, both sides have maintained their strategic partnership. Former President Trump views Erdoğan as a crucial partner for addressing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, with Turkey positioning itself as a mediator in the region. The meeting signals a potential shift in US-Turkey relations, with both leaders seeking to find common ground on complex issues.