American commentator Mark Levin sharply criticized President Trump's reported plan to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, calling Erdogan 'crazy' and warning the deal would empower a leader who threatens Israel, Greece, and the Kurds, according to a statement circulated on social media.
American conservative commentator and Trump confidant Mark Levin launched a sharp attack on President Donald Trump's reported intention to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey. In a statement attributed to Levin and circulated Monday, he described Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as "crazy" and argued that the U.S. should not sell him "anything." Levin cited Erdogan's support for massacres of Christians in Syria and of Kurds, his threats to Israel and Greece, and his alliance with Russia and Iran. "This deal only strengthens him and gives him tailwind," Levin said.
The criticism comes as Trump has signaled openness to the F-35 transfer despite bipartisan opposition in Congress and concerns from Israel and other allies. As The Zioneer has reported, Israeli analysts have warned that the sale could erode Israel's qualitative military edge in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly given Turkey's expanding naval doctrine and rhetoric against Israel. Levin, a frequent defender of the administration on most issues, has previously clashed with Trump over policy toward Israel and Iran.
A separate background item notes that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently criticized U.S. arms sales denials as lacking justification. Levin's statement adds a prominent conservative voice to opposition against the deal from within Trump's own political base.
- DevelopingMark Levin urges Trump to halt F-35 transfers to Turkey
- StrongAnalysis: Trump's renewed push for F-35 sale to Turkey threatens Israel's air supremacy in the Mediterranean
- StrongTrump says he will likely approve F-35 and engine sale to Turkey
- DevelopingVance says US may sell F-35s to Turkey, needs legal review
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