In the letter, they warn that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s actions pose risks to security and regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly if Ankara were to be reintegrated into the F-35 program.
The lawmakers argue that such a move could upset a delicate balance in the region, citing Erdogan’s hegemonic ambitions, his ties with Islamist terror groups like Hamas, and a steady erosion of democratic norms within Turkey.
The letter outlines a series of points they urge President Trump to address in any potential meeting with Erdogan. One key issue is Turkey’s use of U.S.-supplied F-16s to violate Greek airspace.
The lawmakers also oppose Turkey’s reintegration into the F-35 program, especially as Ankara maintains the S-400 system and continues its destabilizing actions. They emphasize that Congress passed legislation in 2019 to prevent the transfer of F-35 aircraft to Turkey due to its purchase of the Russian S-400 system.
Another concern raised in the letter is Erdogan’s revisionist policies, which the lawmakers argue favor Russia and undermine NATO’s unity. They stress that the S-400 system is incompatible with NATO and US technology, posing a security risk.
Additionally, the lawmakers condemn Erdogan’s “Blue Homeland” doctrine, which they see as a threat to the sovereignty of Greece and Cyprus’ maritime zones. Turkish vessels frequently challenge Greek and Cypriot exclusive economic zones, particularly over claims to natural gas deposits off the coast of Cyprus.
The letter also highlights Erdogan’s ties to senior Hamas figures and his support for Hamas’s stated goal of eliminating Israel. The lawmakers reference Erdogan’s remarks defending Hamas and his refusal to condemn terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians. They also express concern about Erdogan’s anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric, pointing to instances where he has equated Israeli actions with those of Hitler.
Furthermore, the lawmakers call attention to Turkey’s ongoing illegal occupation of Cyprus, describing Turkey’s invasion 51 years ago and the continued occupation of the northern part of the island.
They also condemn the suppression of human rights and political opposition within Turkey, citing the recent arrest of the Mayor of Istanbul and a broader crackdown on political opponents.
The letter was signed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Dina Titus, Gregory Meeks, Bradley Scott Schneider, Vern Buchanan, Chris Pappas, Ted W. Lieu, William R. Keating, Josh Gottheimer, Dan Goldman, and 17 other members of Congress.
The lawmakers acknowledge that it is in the United States’ interest for Turkey to remain a strong and reliable NATO ally, as the country meets the alliance’s 2% GDP defense spending requirement and occupies a strategic position in a volatile region.
However, they caution that President Erdogan’s political agenda often diverges from U.S. interests and values. They cite his aspirations to join BRICS, seek status within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, support Islamist groups in Syria, and target Kurdish forces.
The lawmakers urge a more assertive U.S. stance on Erdogan’s controversial policies, emphasizing the need for Turkey to respect international law and uphold democratic principles.
