Trump-Erdogan White House Meeting: Can Turkey Overcome US Sanctions to Secure F-35 Fighter Jets?
WASHINGTON/ANKARA — US President Donald Trump is set to welcome Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the White House on Thursday, in what is being described as a pivotal meeting for both NATO allies. Erdogan hopes to leverage the countries’ warmest relations in years to push for the removal of US sanctions and gain access to the coveted F-35 fighter jet program, a deal that could reshape Ankara’s defense strategy.
This marks Erdogan’s first White House visit in nearly six years, coming at a time when Ankara sees an opportunity to negotiate with an administration more open to transactional diplomacy. While the previous Biden administration kept Turkey at a distance—largely over Ankara’s ties with Russia—Trump’s return to the Oval Office has created renewed optimism in Ankara. Trump has signaled a more flexible stance toward both Moscow and Erdogan, paving the way for talks that could redefine Turkey-US relations.
A Complicated Past, But Aligned Interests in Syria
Trump and Erdogan’s relationship during Trump’s first term was marked by ups and downs, with tensions particularly sharp over Syria and Turkey’s purchase of Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems. Those tensions led Trump himself to impose sanctions on Turkey in 2020, effectively blocking its participation in the F-35 program.
But things have shifted since Trump’s re-election. Both Washington and Ankara are now aligned in supporting Syria’s central government, a major point of conflict in the past. This new alignment reduces one of the biggest obstacles in bilateral ties.
However, not everything is smooth. The two leaders remain sharply divided over the Israel-Gaza conflict. Turkey has condemned Israel’s military campaign, with Erdogan labeling it “genocide” and holding global leaders accountable for failing to stop what he called atrocities in Gaza. Trump’s administration, while prioritizing US-Israel ties, seems willing to compartmentalize this disagreement to keep broader negotiations on track.
The Battle Over Sanctions and Fighter Jets
The biggest question on the table is whether Trump will ease or lift the sanctions imposed in 2020. Those sanctions were a direct response to Turkey’s decision to purchase the Russian S-400 missile defense system, a move Washington argued threatened NATO’s security.
The sanctions blocked Ankara from acquiring the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets, despite Turkey being a co-producer and early buyer of the aircraft. Ankara has since been lobbying hard to return to the program.
“Despite expected resistance from Congress, an F-35 deal is not impossible if both sides show political will,” said Timur Soylemez, a former Turkish ambassador. He added that diplomacy could carve out a framework addressing security concerns while reviving Turkey’s place in the program.
Trump, for his part, has hinted at optimism. Ahead of the meeting, he told reporters he expected the F-35 talks to “conclude positively.” Erdogan has also made it clear that defense cooperation—including the F-35s and Turkey’s pending request for 40 new F-16 fighter jets—would be a top priority in his discussions with Trump.
F-16s, Eurofighters, and Expanding Air Power
While Ankara pushes for the F-35s, it has also requested advanced modifications to the F-16s it already operates. These upgrades, according to US officials, would make the jets even more expensive than a standard F-35, highlighting Turkey’s determination to modernize its air fleet at any cost.
At the same time, Turkey has been in talks to purchase 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, a move that has raised eyebrows in Israel and Greece, two US allies wary of Ankara’s growing regional influence.
For Turkey, which commands NATO’s second-largest army, expanding its air power is not just about prestige. Ankara sees growing threats in the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean, and Black Sea—regions where Turkish, Russian, and Western interests frequently collide.
Trade Deals and Boeing Aircraft on the Agenda
The Trump-Erdogan summit won’t be limited to defense. Trade and aviation are also expected to feature prominently. One of the highlights will be Turkey’s agreement to purchase more than 200 Boeing aircraft, a deal estimated at over $10 billion. The package includes Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 737 jetliners, along with GE engines.
Trump is expected to promote the deal as a win for American manufacturing and jobs, while Erdogan can present it as proof of Turkey’s deepening economic ties with Washington.
A Test for US-Turkey Relations
The meeting is being closely watched by allies and rivals alike. For Trump, it represents a chance to reset ties with Ankara after years of turbulence. For Erdogan, it is an opportunity to restore Turkey’s role in advanced defense programs and position his country as a key player in NATO despite lingering disputes.
Still, obstacles remain. Congress has historically resisted arms deals with Turkey due to its human rights record, tensions with Greece, and relationship with Russia. Even if Trump signals approval, lawmakers could still delay or block sales.
Yet, analysts believe that transactional diplomacy—arms for influence and trade deals for sanctions relief—fits the Trump-Erdogan dynamic perfectly. Both leaders are pragmatic dealmakers who value optics of success.
As one US official noted, “At the end of the day, Erdogan knows that when he wants something done, the White House is where he has to come.”
Conclusion
The Trump-Erdogan White House meeting is more than a bilateral discussion—it’s a litmus test for how flexible US foreign policy under Trump will be toward NATO allies with ties to Russia.
If Erdogan can secure progress on sanctions and fighter jet sales, it would mark a major win for Ankara’s defense ambitions. If not, Turkey may continue to explore alternatives like the Eurofighter, while balancing ties between Washington, Moscow, and Brussels.
Either way, Thursday’s summit underscores how the intersection of defense, diplomacy, and trade continues to shape one of NATO’s most complex relationships.