U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed Thursday that President Trump ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Pentagon officials to examine whether Turkey can be reinstated into the F-35 program and approve the sale, despite Ankara's 2019 purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system, according to Asaf Rozentzweig (N12).
Vice President JD Vance confirmed on Thursday that President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to review Turkey's eligibility for the F-35 fighter jet program, potentially reversing a multi-year ban imposed after Ankara purchased Russia's S-400 air defense system in 2019. Asaf Rozentzweig (N12) reported that Vance stated Trump instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior Pentagon officials to assess whether the sale can move forward despite the S-400 crisis.
This marks the latest signal from the administration on the F-35 issue. Earlier Thursday, The Zioneer reported Trump saying he would "likely" approve the sale, calling Turkey a strong NATO member. Vance's confirmation adds official weight to that stance.
The move has drawn criticism from some quarters. As The Zioneer reported earlier, conservative commentator Mark Levin urged Trump to halt F-35 transfers, warning against providing advanced technology to Turkish President Erdogan. The administration's review remains ongoing; no decision has been announced.
3 developments
- StrongTrump says he will likely approve F-35 and engine sale to Turkey
- DevelopingMark Levin urges Trump to halt F-35 transfers to Turkey
- StrongTrump reveals he asked Erdogan for unusual favor — and says he agreed
- DevelopingVP Vance comments on US helicopter downing in Strait of Hormuz, suggests junior commander ordered strike
Source and signal
- Internal intake