On September 19, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he will host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House on September 25, a meeting that could mark a turning point in U.S.-Turkey relations after years of turbulence. The upcoming talks, which follow both leaders’ participation at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, are expected to focus on major trade and military agreements, including the resolution of a long-standing dispute over advanced fighter jets.
According to multiple outlets including Reuters and Kathimerini, the centerpiece of the discussions will be Turkey’s potential purchase of up to 300 Boeing commercial aircraft and a significant deal for additional F-16 fighter jets. The negotiations will also revisit the controversial F-35 stealth fighter jet program, from which Turkey was ousted in 2019 after acquiring Russian S-400 missile defense systems—a move that infuriated Washington and led to Turkey’s removal from the F-35 joint production initiative.
President Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform, emphasized the breadth of the agenda: “We are working on many Trade and Military Deals with the President, including the large-scale purchase of Boeing aircraft, a major F-16 Deal, and a continuation of the F-35 talks, which we expect to conclude positively.” He added, “President Erdogan and I have always had a very good relationship. I look forward to seeing him on the 25th!”
This visit will be Erdogan’s first bilateral trip to the White House since 2019, during Trump’s previous term. The two leaders have had what Reuters characterized as a “checkered past,” with personal rapport sometimes offset by sharp policy disagreements. The relationship hit a particularly rough patch in 2019 when Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 system prompted the U.S. to cancel the F-35 sale and remove Turkey from the program. In the aftermath, Ankara agreed to buy F-16 jets instead, but the F-35 dispute has lingered as a sore spot between the NATO allies.
Yet, there are signs the impasse may finally be resolved. In July, Erdogan claimed, “I think the F-35s will be delivered to Turkey step-by-step during his term,” referring to Trump’s presidency, as reported by Agence France-Presse. Trump’s latest comments suggest optimism: he expects the F-35 talks to “conclude positively.” If realized, the move could restore a key element of U.S.-Turkey military cooperation and potentially reshape security dynamics in the region.
The potential sale of F-35s to Turkey remains a contentious issue in the Middle East. The Times of Israel notes that Israel has repeatedly expressed concern about the prospect of advanced U.S. fighter jets being supplied to Turkey or other neighboring countries, fearing it could erode its own qualitative military edge. Currently, Israel is the only country in the region operating the F-35, with 45 units in service and another 30 on order.
Beyond the military hardware, the talks are set against a backdrop of complex geopolitical dynamics. Relations between Turkey and Israel have been strained over issues such as Syria and Gaza, with Ankara’s support for Hamas drawing criticism from both Jerusalem and some members of Trump’s own Republican Party. The U.S. has also been actively involved in efforts to stabilize Syria, recently holding high-level meetings with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani in Washington, as reported by Agence France-Presse.
The Boeing deal, meanwhile, is drawing scrutiny at home in Turkey. Ozgur Ozel, leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), alleged that Erdogan promised to purchase 300 Boeing aircraft in exchange for securing the White House meeting. According to Kathimerini, Ozel claimed Erdogan intended to announce the massive deal alongside Trump, raising questions about the intersection of diplomacy and economic leverage. Turkish officials, however, have downplayed the political implications, describing a recent meeting between Erdogan and Donald Trump Jr. in New York as “standard,” with no discussion of business or regional conflicts.
For Trump, the meeting with Erdogan is both a diplomatic opportunity and a political calculation. The former president has often expressed admiration for Erdogan, even as the Turkish leader’s domestic crackdown on opposition figures has drawn international criticism. During Trump’s first term, the administration’s response to the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor and opposition presidential candidate, Ekrem İmamoğlu, was notably muted, despite widespread allegations of politically motivated charges.
Trump’s approach to Turkey has divided opinion within the Republican Party. Some party hawks, such as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have denounced Erdogan for his Islamist orientation and antagonistic stance toward Israel. Others see the relationship as essential to keeping Turkey anchored to NATO and countering Russian influence in the region. Trump’s willingness to engage with Erdogan, even after Ankara’s purchase of Russian arms, underscores a pragmatic—some would say transactional—view of international alliances.
Regional politics are further complicated by recent events in Syria and Gaza. Turkey’s role as a mediator, particularly in persuading Trump to ease sanctions on Syria, and its willingness to host Hamas leaders, puts it at odds with both Israel and segments of the U.S. foreign policy establishment. Meanwhile, Israel’s recent military actions in Syria and Qatar, aimed at curbing Hamas activity, highlight the ongoing volatility of the region and the delicate balance U.S. policymakers must maintain.
For Erdogan, the White House visit offers a chance to reset relations with Washington and secure tangible benefits for Turkey’s economy and defense sector. Announcing a blockbuster Boeing deal or progress on the F-35 issue could burnish his credentials at home, where economic pressures and political opposition remain significant challenges. For Trump, the meeting is an opportunity to showcase his deal-making prowess and reinforce his image as a leader who can navigate complex international waters.
As the September 25 summit approaches, all eyes will be on Washington to see whether the two leaders can bridge their differences and deliver on the promises of trade and military cooperation. The outcome could have far-reaching implications—not just for U.S.-Turkey relations, but for the balance of power across the Middle East and beyond.
With high stakes on the table and a history of unpredictable twists, the Trump-Erdogan meeting promises to be one of the most closely watched diplomatic events of the fall.