Trump touts warm relationship with ‘loyal’ Turkey

The president also suggested he had helped prevent military confrontation between Turkey and Israel.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States is weighing a possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Ankara, claiming that Turkey has been “more loyal” to him than countries to which the US has sold those jets.

“We have a better relationship with Turkey, and Turkey has been more loyal than other countries that we think would be loyal. So it’s something we’d consider,” he said.

Trump described relations with Turkey as stronger than ever and suggested Ankara’s ties with Washington justify reconsidering the advanced fighter sale.

“It’s a decision we’re going to make. We have a very good relationship. Many people, including those sitting here, think, ‘Why wouldn’t we do that?'” Trump said when asked whether the United States would sell the aircraft to Turkey.

Reuters reported that Trump was expected to raise the issue with Erdoğan despite the United States suspending arms sales to Turkey in 2019 during Trump’s first administration.

Trump repeatedly highlighted his personal relationship with the Turkish president, saying, “We’ve had, right from the beginning, good chemistry. We’ve had a very special relationship.” He also described Turkey as “a very powerful country militarily.”

Responding to questions about Ankara’s acquisition of Russian missile defense systems, Trump said, “I have no concerns at all about anything having to do with Turkey. The relationship with Turkey right now is better probably than it’s ever been.”

Trump also argued that Washington has a responsibility to continue supporting US-made military equipment already sold to Turkey.

“When you buy a plane from us, what are we going to say? You’re buying a plane if the engine needs work or if the engine has to be rehabilitated or even upgraded somewhat. But I think we have an obligation to do it,” he said.

The president also suggested he had helped prevent military confrontation between Turkey and Israel.

“I hear some people saying about their relationship with Israel. They could have gotten into the fight. They’re a very powerful military nation. They didn’t do that. Maybe they didn’t do that because of me,” Trump said.

Relations between Turkey and Israel have deteriorated since October 7. Ankara has cut off trade with Israel, while Erdoğan has threatened military action against Israel over the Gaza war. Ahead of the NATO summit, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described Israel as a “burden humanity can no longer bear.”