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What to expect as Trump hosts Turkey's President Erdogan

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Julia Hahn in Istanbul
September 25, 2025

Donald Trump and Recep Tayyip Erdogan are seen as having a good rapport, which Erdogan hopes will result in a green light from the US for a key weapons deal. But he's less likely to move Trump on pressuring Israel to end its war in Gaza.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House, marking a symbolic return after years of strained US-Turkey ties under former President Joe Biden. Erdogan seeks military and trade deals, including F-35 jets and Boeing purchases, while leveraging Trump’s leniency on democratic issues. However, tensions over Erdogan's support for Hamas and criticism of Israel may test their "bromance."

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