On September 25, 2025, President Donald Trump hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House for their first official meeting since 2019. The two leaders spent over two hours in talks, followed by a working lunch, with the focus on repairing strained ties and reviving cooperation.
After years of limited engagement under the Biden administration, the meeting signaled a strong reset. Trump described the talks as “very conclusive”, while Erdogan called them “fruitful” and highlighted meaningful progress across economic and security issues.
Key Takeaways
- Trump and Erdogan agreed to aim for $100 billion in two-way trade.
- A major deal involving 225 Boeing jets was announced, supporting thousands of U.S. jobs.
- Talks on F-16 and F-35 sales were revived, with sanctions relief under discussion.
- Energy cooperation focused on reducing Russian oil and gas purchases.
- Joint efforts were discussed to ease tensions in Gaza, Syria, and Ukraine.
Trade And Economic Cooperation
The most immediate outcome came on trade. Both leaders set a target of $100 billion in bilateral commerce, supported by Turkey’s decision to roll back some tariffs on U.S. goods. Shortly after the meeting, an order for up to 225 Boeing jets was confirmed, a deal expected to secure thousands of jobs at American plants.
Customs adjustments are also being finalized to streamline trade flows, cutting through red tape that had slowed business during the previous administration. Business leaders on both sides are optimistic, with U.S. exporters in particular expecting a significant boost.
Defense And Security Ties
Defense cooperation was another key focus. Trump worked to move forward on Turkey’s stalled request for F-16 fighter jets, while also raising the prospect of restoring Ankara’s role in the F-35 program, which was suspended in 2019 after Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 system.
A quick snapshot of the discussions:
| Jet Type | Previous Status | Trump’s Push | Impact For U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-16 | Blocked under Biden | Deal advanced | Supports Lockheed jobs, strengthens NATO |
| F-35 | Suspended in 2019 | Possible sanctions relief | Restores $1.4B Turkish investment, boosts tech edge |
Trump hinted that sanctions could be lifted “very soon” if Turkey adjusts its position on Russia, signaling potential movement in the weeks ahead.
Energy And Regional Stability
Energy policy was tied directly to security. Trump pressed Erdogan to scale back purchases of Russian oil and gas through pipelines like TurkStream, linking cooperation to possible sanctions relief. While Erdogan did not announce a firm commitment, Trump expressed confidence in Turkey’s willingness to align.
On regional conflicts, both leaders discussed steps to stabilize key hotspots:
- Gaza: Support for a ceasefire and a two-state solution.
- Syria: Acknowledgment of Turkey’s role in pushing back Assad’s influence.
- Ukraine: Erdogan positioned as a mediator between Moscow and Kyiv.
Why This Meeting Matters
For the U.S., the outcomes touch on three major fronts: jobs, security, and diplomacy. Trade expansion promises direct benefits for American workers, defense sales strengthen NATO’s southern flank, and coordinated pressure on Russian energy reduces funding for the war in Ukraine.
While critics continue to raise concerns about Turkey’s democratic record, the meeting shows Trump’s approach of combining pragmatic deals with strong leverage. With both leaders calling the talks productive, observers expect follow-up announcements in the coming months.
