Trump, Erdogan forge new path amid fierce global power struggles

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

In a highly anticipated first meeting since 2019, U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the White House on September 25, launching intensive talks aimed at repairing bilateral tensions and exploring new strategic alignments.

The centerpiece of the discussions was Turkey’s long-suspended access to U.S. F-35 fighter jets.

Under the Trump administration, Turkey was expelled from the F-35 program after purchasing Russian S-400 air-defense systems, raising U.S. concerns over potential technology leakage.

Trump suggested that bans and sanctions could be lifted “very soon,” depending on the outcome of negotiations, telling reporters that Erdoğan “will be successful with buying the things he wants.”

But defense procurement was not the only topic—and perhaps not the most contentious. Trump also pressed Erdoğan to curb Turkey’s continued purchase of Russian oil, framing it as incompatible with U.S. and Western pressure on Moscow amid the war in Ukraine.

The U.S. position is that Turkey’s energy ties with Russia undercut the broader strategy of isolating Moscow.

Erdoğan, for his part, has defended Turkey’s energy pragmatism, arguing that Ankara must maintain diverse sourcing to safeguard its economic and strategic interests.

On regional diplomacy, both presidents sought common ground despite divergent positions. They addressed Syria, where Turkey and the U.S. have clashed over Kurdish groups and security zones, and the broader Middle East conflict, especially the Gaza situation.

Erdoğan has criticized Israeli military action in Gaza and described it as a form of “genocide,” while the U.S. has supported Israel’s right to security, creating a persistent friction point.

Trump praised Erdoğan as “a very tough man” and a regional heavyweight, one he believes can bridge gaps between Russia and Ukraine.

He also spotlighted the personal rapport they built during Trump’s first term in office.

In response, Erdoğan stressed Turkey’s sovereign right to set its foreign and energy policy, calling on Washington to renew trust through equitable deals.

Meanwhile, Erdogan arrived in Washington bearing ambitious trade and defense wish lists. Reports indicate Turkey is eyeing hundreds of new Boeing airliners and Lockheed Martin jets, along with billions of dollars in local production deals.

Such agreements could be contingent on U.S. willingness to ease sanctions and restore Turkey’s F-35 eligibility.

For Trump, the meeting represents an opportunity to reboot relations with an influential NATO ally while potentially gaining leverage over Russian energy flows and regional conflicts.

For Erdoğan, the visit offers hope of reversing years of U.S. isolation and securing advanced military equipment critical to Turkey’s ambitions.