Trump and Erdogan Talk on Fighter Jets and Russia Ties

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President Donald Trump welcomed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the White House on Thursday, September 25, 2025. This meeting was closely watched around the world because it touched on several sensitive issues — advanced fighter jet sales, Turkey’s ties with Russia, the war in Ukraine, and conflicts in Gaza and Syria.

The talks lasted for two hours, and by the end, Trump hinted that the United States might soon allow Turkey to buy advanced F-35 fighter jets again. For Turkey, this was a major point of interest, as the country had been blocked from the F-35 program for years.

Why Turkey Was Removed from the F-35 Program

During Trump’s first term, Turkey was removed from the U.S.-led F-35 fighter jet program. The reason was Turkey’s purchase of the S-400 missile defense system from Russia. American officials believed that Russia could use the S-400 system to secretly collect information about how the F-35 jet works. If such sensitive data reached Moscow, it could reduce the F-35’s effectiveness in future conflicts.

Because of these concerns, Washington froze Turkey out of the program, leaving Ankara frustrated. Erdogan has repeatedly said this decision was unfair to a NATO ally.

Trump Opens Door for a Deal

During the White House meeting, Trump suggested that both sides might reach an agreement. Speaking in front of cameras, he said:
“He needs certain things, and we need certain things, and we’re going to come to a conclusion. You’ll know by the end of the day.”

When Erdogan left, Trump described the talks as “a good meeting,” though he did not share many details. It was Erdogan’s first trip to the White House since 2019, but both leaders highlighted the “very good relationship” they built earlier.

Human Rights Concerns in Turkey

For years, American officials have worried about Turkey’s direction under Erdogan. Critics accuse him of weakening democracy, restricting freedom of expression, and using unfair trials against journalists, activists, and opposition politicians. International groups have often raised alarms about these practices.

This record of “democratic backsliding” made the previous Biden administration keep Erdogan at a distance. But Trump has chosen a different approach. He sees Erdogan as a valuable partner who can act as a mediator in major world conflicts, especially in Ukraine and Gaza.

Turkey’s Close Ties With Russia

One of Trump’s main concerns during the meeting was Turkey’s trade with Russia. Since Europe stopped buying most Russian oil in 2023, Turkey has become one of Moscow’s biggest energy customers. Ankara has purchased over $90 billion worth of Russian oil, coal, and natural gas since then.

Trump openly urged Erdogan to reduce these purchases. He said:
“The best thing he could do is not buy oil and gas from Russia.”

At the same time, Trump acknowledged that Erdogan is respected by both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He suggested that Erdogan could use his position to push for peace.

Ukraine War and Trump’s Shift

Earlier in the week, Trump had surprised many by saying Ukraine could recover all territory lost to Russia — a big change from his earlier stance when he often called for Kyiv to make compromises. Now, he seems to be encouraging Erdogan to pressure Putin and help Ukraine.

Erdogan Pushes for Fighter Jets

Erdogan made it clear that the F-35 issue was one of his top priorities. He told Trump he came prepared to “thoroughly discuss” the matter. In a recent TV interview, Erdogan had said it was not right for a strategic partner like the U.S. to block Turkey from such a key defense program.

Syria, Gaza, and Regional Tensions

The meeting also touched on Syria and Gaza, two areas where Turkey plays an important role.

• Syria: After the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in December, both the U.S. and Turkey are trying to shape their policies in the region. Trump credited Erdogan with supporting rebel forces who eventually removed Assad. He even said: “I think President Erdogan is the one responsible for Syria, for the successful fight in ridding Syria of its past leader.”
• Gaza: Erdogan has been very critical of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, calling it genocide during his United Nations speech. More than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began after Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023. Nearly 90% of Gaza’s homes have been destroyed or damaged. Trump recently gathered eight Arab and Muslim leaders, including Erdogan, to discuss Gaza on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Trump has also asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be “reasonable” when dealing with Turkey. Relations between Turkey and Israel have long been tense, and the war in Gaza has made them worse.

Turkey’s Role in Global Politics

Erdogan wants Turkey to be seen as a stabilizing force in a world filled with conflict. His government has maintained relations with both Ukraine and Russia, making Turkey a rare country that can speak to both sides. In the Black Sea, Turkey has presented itself as a key broker of peace.

Turkey also sees itself as an important security partner for Europe and the Middle East. Erdogan wants to show that his country can stand between East and West, while also influencing global trade discussions.

A Meeting With Wider Implications

The White House meeting was more than just a discussion about fighter jets. It reflected the shifting dynamics of global politics. On one side, Turkey wants advanced U.S. weapons and international respect. On the other, the U.S. wants Turkey to reduce its ties with Russia and help bring peace in Ukraine and Gaza.

Trump’s willingness to re-engage with Erdogan also shows a new direction in American foreign policy, especially compared with Biden’s more cautious stance.

For now, Erdogan has positioned Turkey as a country that others cannot ignore. Whether it’s about oil and gas, fighter jets, or peace talks in Ukraine and Gaza, Turkey has made itself part of the conversation.v