TLDR News Global
July 4, 2026
Trump's Close Relationship with Turkish President Erdoğan
TL;DR
Trump has cultivated an unusually warm relationship with Turkish President Erdoğan, approving military sales and policy concessions while facing criticism from both Democrats and Republicans over his favoritism toward an authoritarian leader.
Key Takeaways
- 1Trump has approved $700+ million in jet engine sales to Turkey and expressed willingness to reinstate Turkey in the F-35 fighter jet program, reversing a 2019 sanctions decision.
- 2Trump personally claims Erdoğan does whatever he asks, including staying neutral in potential conflicts, suggesting transactional diplomacy rather than principled partnership.
- 3Trump overlooks Turkey's democratic backsliding and human rights violations, viewing Erdoğan as a strong leader he can work with effectively.
- 4Erdoğan strategically positions himself as a Trump-pleaser, supporting Trump's foreign policy initiatives while avoiding public criticism.
- 5Trump's alignment with Erdoğan damages U.S. relationships with Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, and has drawn bipartisan criticism at home.
Notable Quotes
“Everything I've ever asked him for, he's done.”
— Donald Trump
“I'm going to probably do something that will make Erdogan very happy.”
— Donald Trump
“Stop giving our best technology away to Islamist nut job Erdoğan.”
— Mark Levin
“Turkey continues to be a destabilizing force in the region through its expansive and disputed maritime claims, continued illegal occupation of Cyprus, and rhetorical demonization of Israel.”
— Republican lawmakers
Chapters
1. Recent Trump-Erdoğan Diplomatic Wins
Trump administration approved $700 million in jet engine sales for Turkey's indigenous combat jet, signaled willingness to return Turkey to the F-35 program, and ended criminal prosecution of Turkish state bank Halkbank on sanctions evasion charges.
2. Trump's Public Praise and Rhetorical Support
Trump regularly touts his friendship with Erdoğan, calling him a great leader and very strong person, even praising him in front of Israeli PM Netanyahu despite their poor relations and suggesting Erdoğan engineered Syria's political transition.
3. Why Trump Favors Erdoğan
Trump and Erdoğan have genuine personal rapport, Trump admires strongman leadership and Erdoğan's consolidation of power, Erdoğan complies with Trump's requests, and Trump recognizes Turkey's strategic importance straddling Europe and the Middle East.
4. Erdoğan's Strategic Positioning
Erdoğan deliberately positions himself as a Trump-pleaser, supports Trump's foreign policy initiatives like the Board of Peace and Gaza stabilization force, and notably avoids publicly criticizing Trump despite his typically outspoken nature.
5. Domestic and International Backlash
Trump's alliance with Erdoğan has drawn criticism from Republicans and Democrats, damaged U.S.-Israel relations given Turkey-Israel tensions, complicated relations with Greece and Cyprus, and raised concerns about technology transfers and Iran sanctions evasion.
Key People & Entities
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
- President of Turkey; subject of Trump's unusually close diplomatic relationship and recipient of military and policy concessions
- Donald Trump
- U.S. President approving military sales and policy changes favorable to Turkey and Erdoğan
- Benjamin Netanyahu
- Israeli Prime Minister who dislikes Erdoğan; relationship complicated by Trump's favoritism toward Turkey
- Ahmed al-Sharaa
- Syrian leader with close ties to Turkey who took power in late 2024
- Mark Levin
- Fox News host and Trump ally who publicly criticized Trump's military technology sales to Turkey
Glossary
- F-35 Fighter Jet Program
- A U.S.-led multinational military coalition program to develop and produce advanced stealth fighter jets; Turkey was removed from the program in 2019 due to purchasing Russian S-400 air defense systems.
- S-400 Air Defense System
- A Russian-made long-range air defense missile system that conflicts with NATO standards; Turkey's acquisition of this system led to U.S. sanctions and removal from the F-35 program.
- Kaan
- Turkey's first indigenous combat jet aircraft, for which Trump approved sales of jet engines.
- Democratic Backsliding
- The gradual erosion of democratic institutions, civil liberties, and rule of law in a country; used to describe Turkey's political trajectory under Erdoğan.
- Halkbank
- Turkey's state-owned bank that was prosecuted by the U.S. Justice Department in 2019 for helping Iran evade American sanctions; the prosecution was dropped under Trump's administration.