A group of U.S. lawmakers have expressed deep concern over Turkey’s ongoing aggressive behaviour both within and beyond its borders. In a detailed letter, they urge former President Donald Trump to confront Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan directly on a number of critical issues, should they meet.
“We urge you to make clear, among other things, that Turkey cannot acquire F-35 fighter jets, and to hold him accountable for actions threatening the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel,” the lawmakers state. “You must also raise his ties with Islamist terrorist organisations such as Hamas, and his treatment of political opponents and human rights within Turkey.”
In their lengthy letter, the lawmakers warn that Ankara’s provocative actions threaten NATO cohesion, undermine stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and run counter to fundamental U.S. strategic interests, alliances, and values.
A key focus of the letter is Turkey’s hostility toward its neighbours — particularly Greece and Cyprus. The lawmakers highlight repeated violations of Greek airspace by Turkish fighter jets, including U.S.-supplied F-16s. Such behaviour, they argue, is incompatible with NATO obligations and represents an ongoing threat to peace and stability in the region.
“This conduct is entirely unacceptable for a NATO ally,” they stress. “Despite a general easing of tensions between Greece and Turkey, we are alarmed by the spike in airspace violations using F-16s and unlawful activity within Greece’s territorial waters. This is unacceptable from a NATO member and presents a persistent danger to the security of a key European partner of the United States.”
No F-35s While S-400s Remain
The lawmakers firmly oppose any reconsideration of Turkey’s re-entry into the F-35 fighter jet programme, citing Ankara’s continued possession of the Russian-made S-400 missile defence system.
“No F-35s while the S-400s remain,” they assert, warning that any reversal would jeopardise military balance and NATO’s security.
They argue that regional power dynamics would be upended if Turkey were allowed back into the programme. Erdoğan’s adoption of the expansionist “Blue Homeland” (Mavi Vatan) doctrine — a framework used to justify Turkish control over large swaths of the Eastern Mediterranean — is particularly troubling.
“Under the guise of ‘Blue Homeland’, Turkish vessels frequently challenge the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Greece and Cyprus. Erdoğan also claims gas deposits off Cyprus’s coast, and signed a memorandum with the interim government in Tripoli that blatantly infringes on Greek and Cypriot sovereign rights. This policy flouts international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and promotes Erdoğan’s regional dominance and neo-Ottoman ambitions.”
Support for Hamas and Anti-Israel Rhetoric
The letter also condemns Erdoğan’s support for Hamas, calling it “deeply troubling” and incompatible with U.S. values and strategic partnerships.
“Erdoğan has positioned himself as Hamas’s chief patron, allowed Turkey to serve as a financial hub for the group, likened Prime Minister Netanyahu’s actions to those of Hitler, announced a total halt to trade with Israel, and even threatened military action against the country.”
The lawmakers further criticise Erdoğan’s authoritarianism at home, referencing the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, widespread persecution of political opponents, and the erosion of democratic institutions in Turkey.
“It is in the United States’ interest for Turkey to be a strong and reliable NATO ally,” they write. “But Erdoğan has repeatedly demonstrated that his personal and political agenda is increasingly at odds with U.S. values and strategic priorities.”
Clear Demands to Trump
The letter concludes with a firm appeal to Trump to confront Erdoğan directly. Anything less, the lawmakers argue, would embolden the Turkish leader and further endanger U.S. credibility and long-term security. They specifically call on Trump to raise the following:
- The use of U.S.-supplied F-16s by Turkey for repeated incursions into Greek airspace
- The continued exclusion of Turkey from the F-35 programme as long as it retains the S-400 system
- Turkey’s adoption of revisionist policies that benefit Russia and undermine NATO unity and security
- The Blue Homeland doctrine and its threats to the sovereignty of Greece and Cyprus and overall regional stability
- Erdoğan’s personal and political ties to senior Hamas figures and his support for Hamas’s stated goal of Israel’s destruction
- His anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric
- The continued illegal occupation of northern Cyprus
- Respect for human rights and political opposition within what is supposedly a democratic state
The letter is signed by Representatives Dina Titus, Gregory Meeks, Brad Schneider, Chris Pappas, Vern Buchanan, William Keating, Dan Goldman, Lloyd Doggett, Wesley Bell, Emanuel Cleaver, Jim Costa, Ted Lieu, Josh Gottheimer, James McGovern, Frank Pallone, Grace Meng, Ritchie Torres, Gus Bilirakis, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Greg Landsman, Joaquin Castro, and Julie Johnson.
