Trump and Erdogan Forge U.S.-Turkey Rapprochement at the White House
By New York Diplomat Staff
Washington, D.C. – September 25, 2025

In a high-profile meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump welcomed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, signaling a significant thaw in U.S.-Turkey relations after years of tension under the previous administration. The summit coincided with the United Nations General Assembly, providing a platform for both leaders to address economic, defense, and geopolitical issues.

Central to the discussions were major defense and commercial agreements. Turkey is set to acquire 40 F-16 Viper fighter jets along with munitions and related support equipment, while Turkish Airlines is finalizing a $250 billion deal to purchase commercial aircraft from Boeing. The two leaders also touched on Turkey’s long-standing desire to rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program, from which it was excluded in 2019 following the purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems. Ankara aims not only to purchase F-35s but also to reintegrate Turkish manufacturers into the supply chain.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump praised Erdogan as a “strong and capable leader” and called him “a friend,” though he stopped short of confirming Turkey’s reentry into the F-35 program. “They want certain things, I want certain things, and we’re going to make a deal,” the President said, referencing the F-16s and F-35s.

In a gesture of goodwill toward the U.S., Turkey recently lifted tariffs on 33 American products, including automobiles, cosmetics, rice, and spirits—sanctions originally imposed in 2018 over trade disputes. Moreover, starting in 2026, Turkish state gas company Botas will import approximately 4 billion cubic meters of U.S.-produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually for domestic use and export to Europe and North Africa. This move underscores Ankara’s effort to reduce its energy reliance on Russia, which currently supplies nearly half of Turkey’s gas.

On the regional front, Erdogan reportedly sought Trump’s support in scaling back U.S. assistance to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Syria. Trump’s past decisions on the matter have repeatedly clashed with Congress, the Pentagon, and allied partners, including Israel, highlighting the delicate balance he must navigate.

The White House meeting marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Turkey relations, blending economic opportunity with complex geopolitical considerations. Analysts note that while defense contracts and LNG imports strengthen bilateral ties, longstanding disputes over regional security and strategic alliances remain sensitive points.