U.S. President Donald Trump, asked about arms sales to Turkey, said he will likely do something that makes President Erdogan 'very happy.' He described Turkey as a NATO member and Erdogan as a strong alliance partner. The remark, reported Wednesday by Israeli media, continues a series of Trump statements signaling warming US-Turkey ties.
President Donald Trump signaled Wednesday evening that he is likely to approve arms sales to Turkey, saying he will 'do something that makes him [Erdogan] very happy.' When asked directly about the issue, Trump noted that Turkey is a NATO member and described President Erdogan as a 'strong' partner within the alliance. No specific weapons system was mentioned, but the remark follows a series of Trump statements this week praising Erdogan and signaling a warmer tone toward Ankara. Earlier Wednesday, Trump told reporters he 'loves' Erdogan and thanked him for staying out of the war against Iran. The president also described Turkey's military as 'very large' and 'very strong.' The comments come amid ongoing discussions in Washington about the potential resupply of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, which were suspended after Ankara purchased Russian S-400 air defense systems. No official decision has been announced, and the White House has not issued a formal statement.
2 developments
- DevelopingTrump says he will speak with Turkey, calls Erdogan 'great'
- DevelopingTrump says he loves Erdogan, praises Turkish leader for staying out of Iran war
- DevelopingErdogan says Trump's attendance at NATO Ankara summit important for alliance unity
- DevelopingReport: Trump tells Erdogan he's coming to NATO summit in July just for him
Source and signal
- Internal intake