Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is preparing to return to the White House for the first time since 2019, when he met Donald Trump during his first term. While the relationship was then described as a “bromance,” the context this time is different: the two leaders appear closer on trade and defence, but remain at odds over the Middle East, particularly Israel.
The visit carries strong symbolism for Erdogan, marking his return to Washington after four years of distance during the Biden presidency, which never welcomed him at the White House. Erdogan views this trip as recognition of Turkey’s geopolitical role for the United States.
In the US, Erdogan’s comments to Fox News drew attention after he said Trump had promised to end the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza but failed. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked that Erdogan “can say whatever he wants about Gaza and Ukraine, but when he comes to the White House, it’s because he wants something from Trump.”
Rubio says Erdogan can say all he wants on Gaza and Ukraine but he will come to the White House when he wants something done and would seek Trump’s help pic.twitter.com/R2vaPxR3eM
— Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) September 23, 2025
Deals on the table
Key trade and military deals are up for discussion. Trump has spoken of a possible Boeing aircraft sale to Turkey, boosting Turkish Airlines and Istanbul’s role as a global aviation hub. The biggest challenge remains the F-35 fighter jet programme, from which Washington excluded Ankara in 2019 after its purchase of Russian S-400s. Erdogan wants the agreement “unfrozen,” arguing Turkey has already prepaid $1.4 billion.
US President Trump's "bromance" with his Turkish counterpart Erdogan has been challenged by disagreements over Israel and F-35 fighter jets, among others. How will this affect Erdogan's visit to the White House? pic.twitter.com/0Odh20drcL
— DW News (@dwnews) September 24, 2025
Clashing over Gaza
Beyond economics, Gaza remains the major sticking point. Erdogan has openly clashed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he has compared to Hitler. Turkey has severed trade ties with Israel and backs Hamas, which it calls a “resistance organisation” rather than a terrorist group. These positions directly oppose the US line, as Trump has stayed firmly pro-Israel, though he recently signalled he would block a possible annexation of the West Bank.
Potential sparks before the cameras
Diplomatic sources believe the leaders are unlikely to avoid public confrontation, particularly over Gaza and Syria. Yet the meeting is expected to be “warm,” with Trump seeing Erdogan as a critical partner on Ukraine, Syria, and Black Sea stability.
Erdogan arrived in Washington on Wednesday evening and was hosted at the State Guest House — an honour not extended to all. On Thursday (Cyprus time 18:00–20:00), he will meet Trump in the Oval Office, with Turkish and US journalists present to pose questions on key issues: F-35s, Syria, Russia, and Israel-Gaza.
Trump’s promise on the West Bank
On Tuesday, Trump told eight Arab and Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. Turks noted that Erdogan sat next to Trump at the head of the table during the meeting.
According to Politico, Trump was categorical, though he admitted that securing a ceasefire in the two-year war with Hamas remains distant. Washington presented a 21-point plan for Middle East peace, though without formal reference to the West Bank’s future.
Also read: Erdogan: I don’t consider Hamas a terrorist organisation
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