Trump Lifts Sanctions on Turkey; Potential Resumption of F-35 Sales

U.S. President Trump announced the lifting of sanctions against Turkey and hinted at a willingness to sell F-35 fighter jets to the NATO ally—a move likely to face strong resistance in the U.S. Congress.

According to Reuters, Trump arrived in the Turkish capital, Ankara, on Tuesday (July 7) to attend a NATO summit; this marked the first visit to Turkey by a U.S. president in nearly 11 years.

Turkish President Erdoğan personally welcomed Trump at the airport, and Turkish soldiers on horseback escorted Trump’s motorcade to the Presidential Palace.

The two leaders praised each other in public remarks. Throughout Trump's presidency, Turkey's deteriorating human rights record has never drawn significant concern from Washington.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Erdoğan, Trump stated that relations between the two nations are currently good; he noted that the U.S. is moving to lift sanctions on Turkey and will make a decision regarding Turkey's return to the F-35 fighter jet program.

Trump indicated that the State Department and the Treasury Department are working to lift the sanctions imposed on Turkey in 2020. He also expressed potential support for allowing Turkey to purchase F-35 stealth fighters, though he did not specify how such a deal would be implemented given the opposition from the U.S. Congress.

Erdoğan remarked that the issue of F-35 fighter jets was not new to the bilateral relationship, noting that Turkey had previously held multiple discussions with the U.S. on the matter.

Erdoğan expressed hope for a positive response regarding Turkey's desire to purchase the F-35s. "We have previously discussed this issue with the U.S., and they promised to provide five fighter jets," Erdoğan said, adding, "I know that President Trump always keeps his promises."

The U.S. government imposed sanctions on Turkey in 2020, citing its purchase of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. Specific measures included banning the issuance of export licenses and authorizations for U.S. products and technology to Turkey's defense industry agency, as well as imposing asset freezes and visa restrictions on several officials. Furthermore, due to Turkey's procurement of the Russian S-400 air defense system, the United States expelled Turkey from the U.S.-led, multinational F-35 fighter jet development and production program.

Last week, a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Republican Representative Mike Lawler and Democratic Representative Brad Sherman sent a joint letter to Trump expressing "deep concern" regarding the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, citing U.S. law as well as Turkey's relationship with Iran and its "anti-Israel rhetoric."

When asked if he was concerned about Ankara's continued possession of the Russian S-400 system, Trump said he was not worried.

Trump stated, "I am not worried about anything regarding Turkey. I think our relationship with Turkey is probably better now than it has ever been. More loyal."