Erdogan reportedly threw Trump’s letter calling for him to make a deal into the trash.
By World Israel News Staff
In an odd letter by any diplomatic standards, President Donald Trump told Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan not to be a “fool.” The letter, dated October 9, came to the media’s attention on Wednesday.
The president first encouraged Erdogan, opening with “Let’s work out a good deal!” But he then quickly warned, “I don’t want to be responsible for destroying the Turkish economy – and I will.”
Trump writes in the final paragraph, “History will look upon you favorably if you get this done the right and humane way. It will look upon you forever as the devil if good things don’t happen.”
“Don’t be a tough guy. Don’t be a fool,” he ended. “I will call you later.”
Sources close to Erdogan said he threw the letter “in the bin.”
Thursday marks the ninth day of Turkey’s invasion of northeastern Syria, an assault made possible by Trump’s decision to move U.S. forces stationed in Syria out of the way.
The president has been roundly condemned for the move, including from many in his own party. Republicans and Democrats in the House banded together for an overwhelming 354-60 denunciation of the U.S. troop withdrawal.
The letter caught the attention of the Kremlin. Its spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he was surprised by the harsh tone used by Trump in the letter to Erdogan.
The Russian spokesman said: “Such language is not often encountered in communication of state leaders. It’s a pretty unusual letter.”
Despite the letter, Erdogan agreed to meet with Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday.
He is scheduled to travel to Sochi, Russia, for talks on Tuesday.
Associated Press contributed to this report.