Trump on Türkiye and the F-35: “Nobody Tells Me What We Can Sell”

U.S. President Donald Trump commented on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s objections to a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye.

Describing Türkiye as a “very important ally,” Trump said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had done a good job regarding Syria and referred to him as a friend. He also stated that Türkiye is a strong country with a large military.

Trump acknowledged that relations between Türkiye and Israel are not good, but emphasized that ties between Ankara and Washington remain strong.

Asked about Netanyahu’s opposition to a possible F-35 sale to Türkiye, Trump said, “Nobody tells me what we can or cannot sell.”

However, no official decision has yet been announced regarding Türkiye’s return to the F-35 program or a potential sale of the aircraft.