US President Donald Trump hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House on September 25, 2025, in Erdogan’s first visit since 2019. The two leaders discussed the possible lifting of the US ban on F-35 fighter jet sales to Turkey, trade deals, and Ankara’s role in NATO.

Trump opened the meeting with a pointed remark, saying Erdogan “knows about rigged elections better than anybody.” The comment was seen as a reference to both leaders’ reputations for autocratic politics. Trump, who continues to falsely claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him, added that he and Erdogan had remained in touch during what he called his “exile” from office.

“This is a guy who’s highly opinionated. Usually, I don’t like opinionated people, but I always like this one. He’s a tough one

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