Top Conservatives Issues Warning To Trump
Conservative commentator and Fox News host Mark Levin is warning that President Donald Trump’s efforts to strengthen relations with Turkey could come at a significant cost to America’s national security and its allies.
Levin criticized reports that the Trump administration plans to move forward with military sales to Turkey, including the possible transfer of F-35 stealth fighter jets and other defense equipment. The comments have sparked renewed debate in Washington over U.S.-Turkey relations, America’s commitment to Israel, and the future of NATO cooperation.
Mark Levin Raises Concerns About Turkey
In a series of posts on X, Levin argued that the United States is offering major military concessions to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan despite growing concerns over Turkey’s recent actions in the Middle East.
“It’s Christmas in Turkey,” Levin wrote, suggesting that Ankara is receiving generous military benefits from Washington.
He later added that many Americans do not support providing advanced U.S. military technology to Erdoğan’s government, particularly after the Turkish leader recently made strong statements against Israel.
Levin argued that approving F-35 fighter jet sales, supplying jet engines, and removing sanctions against Turkey could create long-term national security challenges that future administrations may have to address.
Trump Defends Stronger Relations With Turkey
The criticism followed President Trump’s meeting with Erdoğan in Ankara before the NATO summit.
After the meeting, Trump told reporters he remains confident in the U.S.-Turkey partnership and expressed no concern over Turkey’s Russian-made S-400 missile defense system, which has been at the center of years of tension between the two countries.
“I have no concerns about anything involving Turkey,” Trump said, adding that relations between Washington and Ankara are stronger now than during his first administration.
Trump also praised Erdoğan’s leadership, saying the Turkish president has made his country more powerful and influential on the world stage.
Why the F-35 Sale Is Controversial
The proposed F-35 fighter jet sale faces significant legal and political obstacles.
During his first term, Trump removed Turkey from the F-35 program after the country purchased Russia’s S-400 air defense system. U.S. officials argued that operating both systems could compromise sensitive American military technology.
Congress later reinforced those restrictions through the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, preventing Turkey from receiving F-35 aircraft while it continues to possess the Russian defense system.
Trump indicated Tuesday that he plans to lift sanctions against Turkey, a move that would likely require close congressional scrutiny and could face bipartisan opposition.
Israel and Members of Congress Push Back
The potential sale has drawn criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, as well as officials in Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that providing Turkey with America’s most advanced fighter aircraft could shift the military balance in the Middle East. He argued that Israel’s long-standing air superiority has played an important role in maintaining regional stability.
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers also sent a letter to Trump on July 2 expressing concern that Erdoğan’s recent actions toward Israel make approving the sale contrary to America’s national security interests.
What Makes the F-35 Important?
Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 Lightning II is considered one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.
The fifth-generation stealth fighter combines advanced radar evasion technology, intelligence gathering capabilities, electronic warfare systems, and long-range strike capabilities into a single platform. With an operational range of approximately 1,200 miles, the aircraft is designed to conduct complex combat missions while coordinating with allied forces and unmanned systems.
Because of its advanced technology, every proposed international sale receives extensive review from both the executive branch and Congress.
The Debate Is Far From Over
Whether Turkey ultimately receives F-35 fighter jets remains uncertain, as legal restrictions, congressional oversight, and national security concerns continue to shape the debate.
Supporters argue that improving ties with Turkey could strengthen NATO cooperation and regional security. Critics, including Mark Levin and several lawmakers, believe advanced military sales should not move forward unless concerns surrounding Turkey’s defense policies and its relationship with Russia are fully resolved.
As discussions continue, the issue is expected to remain a closely watched foreign policy debate with significant implications for the United States, Israel, NATO, and the broader Middle East.
