ANKARA — US President Donald Trump highlighted the importance of relations with Türkiye during talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara, while also criticizing NATO allies, discussing regional conflicts, and repeating his controversial position that Greenland should come under US control.
Speaking alongside Erdoğan after their meeting, Trump described Türkiye as a key American partner and praised the Turkish leader’s influence on global affairs. The discussions covered defense cooperation, trade, NATO relations, the wars in Ukraine and Syria, and ongoing tensions involving Iran.
Trump Praises Türkiye as a Strategic Ally
Trump said the United States and Türkiye share a “very good relationship,” emphasizing strong personal ties between the two leaders.
He praised Erdoğan’s leadership style, describing him as a respected international figure and saying Türkiye has become significantly stronger militarily under his administration.
The meeting marked another effort by Washington and Ankara to strengthen strategic cooperation at a time when both countries are involved in major regional security discussions.
F-35 Fighter Jet Deal Remains Under Review
One of the key topics discussed was Türkiye’s possible return to the US-made Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet program.
Trump said Washington is considering approving the sale of F-35 aircraft to Türkiye and added that any agreement would include spare parts and technical support.
“If we give them the F-35s, we’ll give them everything they need,” Trump said, suggesting that progress could come soon.
Erdoğan welcomed the possibility of a positive decision, saying Türkiye has been waiting for the aircraft deliveries for years.
The issue has remained a major point of tension between the two NATO members after Türkiye’s purchase of Russian defense systems led to disputes with Washington.
Ukraine, Syria and Iran Dominate Regional Discussions
The two leaders also discussed several major international crises.
Trump said he remains hopeful that the Russia-Ukraine war could end soon, arguing that both sides are interested in reaching a settlement.
He also praised Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, saying he had helped unify Syria, while crediting Erdoğan with supporting diplomatic efforts connected to Ukraine and Iran.
Erdoğan said Türkiye continues working to encourage dialogue between Washington and Tehran while supporting broader efforts to reduce instability in the Middle East.
Trump Renews Criticism of NATO Allies
Although Trump attended NATO-related discussions in Türkiye, he again expressed frustration with the alliance and questioned whether European countries contribute enough to their own defense.
He argued that the United States has played a major role in protecting Europe from Russian threats and suggested European nations need to take greater responsibility for security challenges.
Trump also called on European governments to address issues including immigration and energy policy, warning that these challenges could affect the continent’s future stability.
Greenland Control Comments Return
During the meeting, Trump repeated his long-standing view that Greenland should be controlled by the United States rather than remain under Danish administration.
Trump has previously described Greenland as strategically important because of its location and natural resources, though Denmark and Greenlandic officials have rejected the idea of transferring sovereignty.
His latest comments are expected to renew debate over US ambitions in the Arctic region.
Trump Defends Türkiye’s Defense Decisions
Trump also said he had no objection to Türkiye’s purchase of Russian defense equipment, describing the decision as a sovereign choice made by Ankara to strengthen its military capabilities.
The statement reflects a more flexible approach toward Türkiye’s defense policies compared with previous US concerns over Ankara’s military cooperation with Moscow.
Erdoğan Hosts Trump With Full State Ceremony
Before the talks, Erdoğan welcomed Trump at the Presidential Palace in Ankara with a formal ceremony featuring a guard of honor, a gun salute, and a Turkish Air Force flypast.
The high-profile reception reflected efforts by both governments to showcase closer cooperation despite disagreements that have affected US-Türkiye relations in recent years.
The Ankara meeting highlighted the complicated partnership between Washington and Ankara—combining defense cooperation and regional diplomacy with ongoing disputes over NATO, military purchases, and strategic priorities.
