Donald Trump dismisses Israeli objections to F-35 sales to Turkey

On July 27, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, asserting that U.S. policy decisions are independent of foreign influence. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump described Turkey as a great ally and criticized the suggestion that other leaders should dictate U.S. arms exports. This follows public opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who argues that providing such advanced technology to Ankara would threaten Israel's regional military superiority.

Despite Trump's recent comments, official U.S. government policy remains unchanged. A recent letter from the State Department to Congressman Wesley Bell stated that Turkey has not yet met the necessary legal requirements for re-entry into the F-35 program. Turkey was previously removed from the joint strike fighter program following its procurement of the Russian S-400 air defense system. The current situation remains in flux, as the administration's informal position appears to contrast with the formal legal assessment provided by the State Department to Congress, which maintains that the criteria for such a transfer have not been fulfilled.