Erdoğan Returns to White House After Six Years as Trump Signals Possible F-35 Deal and Sanctions Relief
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made his first visit to the White House in six years on September 25, 2025, meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in what marked a potential turning point in strained U.S.-Turkey relations. During their Oval Office meeting, Trump indicated that CAATSA sanctions against Turkey could be lifted "at any moment" if the talks proved productive, while signaling openness to Turkey's long-sought return to the F-35 fighter jet program.
According to Turkish news outlet T24, which reported extensively on the historic meeting, Trump greeted Erdoğan wearing a fighter jet pin on his lapel. This symbolic gesture did not go unnoticed by diplomatic observers. The visit represents Erdoğan's first trip to the White House since 2019, having never visited during Joe Biden's presidency, and comes eight months after Trump's return to office in January 2025.
"I have tremendous respect for this man," Trump told reporters during the joint press availability. "He's built an incredible military force. It's a great honor to host him here. They want to buy F-16s, they want to buy F-35s, they want to buy other things." When pressed about the timeline for lifting sanctions, Trump responded optimistically: "If we have a good meeting, it could happen almost immediately."
The meeting addressed several critical issues that have complicated U.S.-Turkey relations in recent years. Turkey was expelled from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing Russian S-400 air defense systems, triggering CAATSA sanctions that have hampered defense cooperation between the NATO allies. Trump acknowledged Turkey's desire to rejoin the program, stating, "I know he wants the F-35, and he's wanted it for a long time. We're taking this very seriously."
Beyond defense cooperation, the leaders discussed the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Trump revealed he had asked Erdoğan to stop purchasing Russian oil amid Moscow's continued aggression against Ukraine, saying, "I want Turkey to stop buying oil from Russia while they continue their attacks on Ukraine. Millions of people have died—for what? It's shameful." However, Trump acknowledged Erdoğan's neutral stance, adding, "He's very neutral right now. He likes being neutral, and I like being neutral too."
On Gaza, Trump suggested breakthrough developments could occur imminently, noting discussions with regional leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan. "We might see something today," he said, while acknowledging differences with Erdoğan on the Palestinian issue. Trump emphasized efforts to secure the release of hostages, revealing that approximately 20 living and 38 deceased hostages remain in captivity.
The agenda also included potential large-scale Boeing aircraft purchases by Turkish Airlines, with reports suggesting deals for over 200 planes might be announced. Additionally, discussions covered Syria's future, with Trump crediting Erdoğan for his role in the region, calling Syria "Turkey's great victory."
The meeting concluded with plans for a working lunch and continued negotiations on trade tariffs, the Halkbank case, and the reopening of the Halki Seminary. Both leaders expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties, with Trump emphasizing, "We're going to make great trade deals for both countries."
Photo: T24