Trump Praises Erdogan: 'There Is Chemistry Between Us'
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly offered praise for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan upon arriving in Ankara, the Turkish capital, to attend the NATO Summit. Trump openly described Erdogan as a strong and resilient leader.
As reported by AFP on Wednesday (8/7/2026), Trump was personally welcomed by Erdogan on the airport tarmac as he disembarked from the US presidential aircraft, Air Force One, on Tuesday (7/7). A grand state ceremony followed, with a white cavalry escort accompanying Trump’s motorcade to the Turkish presidential palace.
According to Reuters, this visit marks the first visit by a US President to Turkey in the last 11 years.
The summit takes place amidst a period of tension for the 77-year-old NATO alliance, given Trump’s frequent harsh criticisms of NATO allies and Washington’s tendency to withdraw from European involvement.
Upon arriving in Ankara, the US President once again expressed his disappointment with NATO. However, he also offered praise for Erdogan, who hosted him at the Turkish presidential palace, even stating that the relationship between the US and Turkey has never been better.
“I am very disappointed with NATO. To be honest, if this summit were not being held in Turkey, where my friend is a very strong and resilient leader, I might not have attended,” Trump told reporters at the Turkish presidential palace, with Erdogan seated beside him.
“There is chemistry between us,” the US President added, praising his relationship with Erdogan.
This warmth marks a drastic change in the relationship between the two nations, which had previously felt strained during the administration of former US President Joe Biden. NATO officials hope that the close relationship between Trump and Erdogan could help alleviate tensions triggered by issues related to Iran.
On the other hand, the warming of relations with Trump could provide a significant boost for Erdogan.
Trump stated that the US would consider the sale of US-made F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, after previously removing Ankara from the programme in 2019 due to the country’s decision to purchase Russian defence systems.
“In many ways, Turkey is far more loyal than other countries we thought would be loyal… It is a great plane, the best plane, the best plane available so far. And that is certainly something we will consider,” Trump said, as reported by Reuters.
Turkey has long been working to resolve issues regarding the F-35 procurement programme and the lifting of US sanctions that have damaged bilateral relations and hindered various Turkish defence projects. Turkey hopes Trump’s visit can break the current deadlock.
Erdogan expressed hope for a positive outcome regarding Ankara’s desire to purchase F-35s from the US. “We have discussed this previously with the US and were promised five fighter jets. I know that Mr Trump always keeps his promises,” he said.
“Trump has also given us personal assurances regarding this matter,” Erdogan added.