ON
← Back to feed
Trump remarks revive Turkey F-35 debate
GR🏛️ PoliticsLean Conservative10 hr. ago

Trump remarks revive Turkey F-35 debate

US President Donald Trump's recent comments suggesting Turkey could rejoin the F-35 program have reignited discussions about the issue, which has been under consideration since early in his second term. During a visit to Ankara for the NATO summit, Trump indicated he might lift sanctions against Turkey and consider selling F-35 jets. While Athens has been informed of these developments, tensions in the Middle East and friction between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. officials had previously stalled progress. Greek officials note that lifting sanctions under CAATSA does not automatically resolve the separate issue of F-35 exports, which requires congressional approval. Analysts suggest that Trump's openness to reversing prior policies could allow Turkey to gradually return to the F-35 program while keeping its Russian S-400 missile system, provided it is only used in extreme circumstances. Greece has emphasized its own procurement plans, having secured 20 F-35s with options to expand further, and highlights its commitment to NATO defense spending targets.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Go to the primary sources (1)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

14 reports

ekathimerini.com logoekathimerini.comIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9021 hr. ago
Trump undecided on sale of F-35s to Turkey

US President Donald Trump stated that he has not yet decided whether to proceed with the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, despite discussions during the NATO Summit in Ankara. Trump acknowledged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's support but emphasized that no final decision has been made. The sale faces challenges due to Turkey's prior acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile system, which complicates US military cooperation. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted this issue and noted that Greece plans to start training its pilots on F-35 jets in 2027.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly favoring any side. It reports on Trump's indecision regarding the F-35 sale to Turkey, mentions the geopolitical implications involving NATO and Russia, and includes statements from both Trump and Mitsotakis. There is no clear ideological slan

Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): Highly factual with accurate reporting on Trump's indecision regarding F-35 sales to Turkey. Objectivity is slightly reduced due to brief mentions of Greek PM's comments but overall neutral.

ekathimerini.com logoekathimerini.comIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 903 days ago
Gerapetritis: No move to lift US restrictions on F-35 sales to Turkey

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis addressed Parliament, stating there is no current plan to lift U.S. restrictions on selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. He emphasized that any changes would require a new decision by the U.S. Congress. In response to concerns raised by opposition MP Alexandros Kazamias about potential U.S. policy shifts under former President Donald Trump, Gerapetritis reiterated that Greece's legal position remains unchanged. He highlighted Greece's improved military capabilities through the acquisition of F-35s and upgrades to its F-16 fleet, contrasting this with Turkey's continued participation in the F-35 program. While acknowledging strong Greece-U.S. relations, Gerapetritis stressed the importance of defending national interests, noting that Greece has 'non-negotiable' rights in this matter.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the debate surrounding U.S. F-35 sales to Turkey, quoting both the government's firm stance and the opposition's concerns. The framing remains neutral, avoiding overt ideological slant. It provides factual information about Greece's military procurement and

Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): Highly factual with accurate quotes from Gerapetritis. Very objective in presenting the situation without apparent bias.

ekathimerini.com logoekathimerini.comIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 882 days ago
Trump says he will lift Turkey sanctions, decide on F-35s

US President Donald Trump announced during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a NATO summit that he would lift sanctions imposed on Turkey under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. The sanctions were imposed in 2020 due to Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems, which led to Turkey being removed from the F-35 jet program. Trump stated they would make a decision on resuming the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, despite ongoing legal and congressional hurdles. The discussion also included potential support for the sale and topics such as trade.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about Trump's announcement regarding sanctions and F-35 sales without overtly favoring either side. It reports the statements made by Trump and provides context about the sanctions and their implications, but does not take a clear ideological stance. The framing is客观

Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 88): Accurate reporting on Trump's statements about sanctions and F-35s. Maintains neutrality while providing context about the CAATSA sanctions.

ekathimerini.com logoekathimerini.comIndependentProgressiveFactual 94Objective 852 days ago
First push underway in Congress to block Turkey’s return to F-35 program

A group of 18 Democratic lawmakers, including members of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, has initiated efforts in Congress to block Turkey's potential reintegration into the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. They have sent a letter to House leaders Steve Scalise and Hakeem Jeffries, urging them to use legislative tools under CAATSA (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) to prevent the Trump administration from allowing Turkey back into the program. The lawmakers expressed concerns about reports that President Trump might reinstate Turkey's involvement, citing his recent comments suggesting a 'big gift' for Turkish President Erdogan and ongoing legal reviews within the administration. The decision to remove Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019 was due to its purchase of Russia's S-400 air defense system, deemed incompatible with U.S. security interests. Current sanctions under CAATSA remain in place, and the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act prohibits F-35 transfers to Turkey while it retains the S-400 system.

Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights actions taken by Democratic lawmakers to oppose a potential Trump administration decision to reintegrate Turkey into the F-35 program. The framing emphasizes the lawmakers’ concerns about national security risks associated with Turkey’s S-400 system and references existing U.S

Why these scores (Factual 94 · Objective 85): Strong factual basis with detailed information on congressional efforts. Slightly biased in emphasizing Greek concerns over Turkish positions.

ekathimerini.com logoekathimerini.comIndependentConservativeFactual 94Objective 852 days ago
Gov’t dismisses reports on Trump’s alleged defense concessions to Turkey

The Greek government has rejected media reports and criticism from opposition parties regarding potential U.S. President Donald Trump's consideration of restoring Turkey's access to the F-35 fighter jet procurement program. The New York Times reported that senior Trump administration officials discussed this policy shift, which could occur ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara. Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis called the reports 'rumors' and criticized opponents as 'snake-oil peddlers,' emphasizing Greece's progress in defense procurement since 2019. He highlighted Greece's acquisition of 20 F-35s and upgrades to its F-16 fleet, contrasting this with Turkey's current request for similar capabilities. Marinakis stressed that Greece should focus on its own defense initiatives rather than commenting on Turkey's military programs, asserting that agreements between NATO members are handled internally.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the Greek government's dismissal of the reports as a necessary stance against 'rumors' and 'snake-oil peddlers,' using strong negative language to discredit opposing viewpoints. The emphasis on Greece's defense achievements and the assertion that internal NATO matters should notbe

Why these scores (Factual 94 · Objective 85): Accurate reporting on Greek government's dismissal of reports. Slight bias in portraying opposition as 'snake-oil peddlers' rather than legitimate concerns.

ekathimerini.com logoekathimerini.comIndependentCenterFactual 93Objective 88yesterday
Trump remarks revive Turkey F-35 debate

US President Donald Trump's recent comments suggesting Turkey could rejoin the F-35 program have reignited discussions about the issue, which has been under consideration since early in his second term. During a visit to Ankara for the NATO summit, Trump indicated he might lift sanctions against Turkey and consider selling F-35 jets. While Athens has been informed of these developments, tensions in the Middle East and friction between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. officials had previously stalled progress. Greek officials note that lifting sanctions under CAATSA does not automatically resolve the separate issue of F-35 exports, which requires congressional approval. Analysts suggest that Trump's openness to reversing prior policies could allow Turkey to gradually return to the F-35 program while keeping its Russian S-400 missile system, provided it is only used in extreme circumstances. Greece has emphasized its own procurement plans, having secured 20 F-35s with options to expand further, and highlights its commitment to NATO defense spending targets.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information objectively, discussing both the potential U.S.-Turkey negotiations over the F-35 program and Greece's position without overtly favoring any side. It includes perspectives from analysts and quotes from Greek officials, providing balanced coverage of the situation.

Why these scores (Factual 93 · Objective 88): Well-researched with accurate details on the F-35 process. Maintains good objectivity by presenting multiple perspectives without overt bias.

ekathimerini.com logoekathimerini.comIndependentCenterFactual 93Objective 852 days ago
Athens tuned into NATO summit signals

The article discusses Greece's interest in the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, focusing on potential U.S. commitments to Turkey regarding defense cooperation, specifically the sale of engines for Turkey's KAAN fighter jet and fifth-generation F-35 aircraft. It highlights Turkey's strategic role within NATO and the broader implications for European security and defense industry partnerships. The article notes Greece's acceptance of new NATO commands in Turkey, though concerns persist over Turkey's increasing influence within the alliance. Additionally, it mentions challenges faced by Greece's defense sector compared to Turkey's advancements.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of Greece's perspective on NATO's evolving relationship with Turkey, without overtly favoring either side. It reports on multiple viewpoints, including U.S. considerations, Turkish demands, and Greece's stance on NATO commands. While the subject matter is of較

Why these scores (Factual 93 · Objective 85): Factual with good contextual information about NATO commands. Slight bias in emphasizing Greek concerns over Turkish positions.

ekathimerini.com logoekathimerini.comIndependentConservativeFactual 92Objective 8020 hr. ago
Erdogan criticizes Mitsotakis’ opposition to possible F-35 sale to Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed frustration with Greece and Israel for reportedly opposing the potential sale of U.S. F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Speaking after the NATO Summit in Ankara, Erdogan criticized Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for his stance on the issue, calling it misguided. Erdogan emphasized that Turkey has the legal right to acquire military equipment and stated that discussions regarding the F-35 sale are ongoing. He noted that former U.S. President Donald Trump has a positive attitude toward the sale but remains undecided. Mitsotakis responded by highlighting 'significant legal obstacles' due to Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile system. Despite this disagreement, Erdogan called for direct dialogue between Turkish and Greek leaders to address regional issues in the Aegean.

Bias read (Conservative): The article presents Erdogan's perspective on the F-35 sale dispute with Greece and Israel, emphasizing his criticism of Mitsotakis and asserting Turkey's right to acquire military equipment. The framing highlights Erdogan's strong stance and implies that Greece and Israel's opposition is unwarrante

Why these scores (Factual 92 · Objective 80): Factually sound with direct quotes from Erdogan. Objectivity suffers from clear favoritism towards Turkey's position and lack of balanced coverage of Greek concerns.

ekathimerini.com logoekathimerini.comIndependentConservativeFactual 92Objective 807 days ago
Lawler urges Trump to block F-35 transfers to Turkey

Republican Congressman Mike Lawler is spearheading a congressional campaign to prevent the transfer of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. In a letter to President Trump, Lawler urges maintaining the 2019 ban on such transfers, citing Turkey's 'aggression' against U.S. allies and its defense partnerships with adversarial nations like Russia, Iran, and North Korea. He highlights Turkey's continued possession of the Russian S-400 missile system and its military activities in Cyprus and Greece, arguing these actions undermine U.S. national interests. Lawler references the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which codified restrictions on F-35 transfers while Turkey maintains the S-400. The letter also criticizes Turkey's 'anti-Israel rhetoric' and its role in regional tensions, despite its status as a NATO member since 1952.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the issue as a matter of U.S. national security and strategic partnership, emphasizing Turkey's alleged hostility and unreliable alliances. The language used—such as 'continued aggression,' 'troubling defense partnerships,' and 'unreliable partner'—reflects a right-leaning stance.

Why these scores (Factual 92 · Objective 80): Factually accurate with direct quotes from Lawler. Strong bias in favor of blocking F-35 sales to Turkey without balanced consideration of Turkish arguments.

ekathimerini.com logoekathimerini.comIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8510 hr. ago
Erdogan calls for Aegean negotiations

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan proposed new negotiations with Greece on unresolved Aegean disputes following the NATO summit in Ankara. During the summit, both leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue despite ongoing tensions. Erdogan suggested that Greek Foreign Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his counterpart should initiate talks, with the possibility of direct engagement between the two heads of state if needed. Mitsotakis reiterated Greece's position on the delimitation of maritime boundaries and highlighted concerns over Turkey's casus belli, which dates back to 1995. While Mitsotakis did not comment directly on Turkey's potential acquisition of F-35 fighter jets, he emphasized that NATO members' sensitivities should be respected. Erdogan, meanwhile, dismissed the casus belli issue and expressed frustration with responses from Greece and Israel regarding Turkey's possible procurement of F-35s.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both sides of the dispute without overtly favoring one nation over the other. It includes direct quotes from both leaders, allowing readers to form their own opinions based on the perspectives provided. There is no evident bias in the language used or the selection of sources,呈现

Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): Accurate portrayal of Erdogan's call for Aegean negotiations. Some bias in framing the issue as primarily a Greek-Turkish dispute rather than a broader NATO concern.

ekathimerini.com logoekathimerini.comIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 752 days ago
Reuters: Trump expected to support potential sale of F-35 jets to Turkey, sources say

US President Donald Trump is expected to support the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey during his upcoming visit to Ankara, despite ongoing legal and congressional obstacles. This move would mark a significant gesture toward Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, whom Trump views as a close ally. However, Turkey's 2019 purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system remains a point of contention, leading to sanctions and exclusion from the F-35 program. Congress has prohibited F-35 sales to Turkey while it retains the S-400, and resolving this issue requires either Turkey sending the S-400 to a third country or meeting other conditions. While Trump expressed willingness to please Turkey, the decision faces domestic and international opposition, including from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information from multiple perspectives without overtly favoring one side. It reports on the potential decision, mentions opposition from various stakeholders, and includes quotes from both US and Turkish officials without taking a clear ideological stance. The framing remains客观,

Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): This article provides a balanced account of the situation, citing multiple sources and explaining both the potential U.S. policy shift and the existing legal and political obstacles. It remains largely neutral in tone, though it leans slightly towards highlighting the complexity of the issue rather

ekathimerini.com logoekathimerini.comIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 702 days ago
Trump expected to tell Turkey he is ready to restore access to F-35 jets

President Donald Trump is anticipated to inform Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he is ready to reinstate Turkey's participation in the F-35 fighter jet program, reversing a ban imposed in 2019 due to Turkey's acquisition of Russian S-400 anti-aircraft systems. The decision comes amid preparations for a NATO summit in Ankara, with Trump expressing a desire to present a 'gift' that would please Erdogan. However, the potential reversal faces hurdles from Congress, which enacted a law blocking F-35 sales unless Turkey relinquishes the S-400 systems. Administration officials suggest Turkey might transfer the S-400s to a third party, possibly rendering them inoperable, though details remain unclear. While Trump's aides believe the move could proceed, the timeline remains uncertain, and Trump's unpredictability adds complexity to the situation.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the political dynamics surrounding the potential reinstatement of Turkey's F-35 access. It reports on both the U.S. administration's efforts and the challenges posed by Congress, without overtly favoring either side. The framing remains neutral, focusing on

Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 70): The article accurately reports on the potential reversal of Trump's previous decision regarding Turkey's F-35 access. It acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the policy shift and mentions potential congressional opposition. While it remains mostly neutral, it occasionally uses phrases like 'make

ekathimerini.com logoekathimerini.comIndependentConservativeFactual 85Objective 702 days ago
Gov’t dismisses reports on Trump’s alleged defense concessions to Turkey

The Greek government has rejected media reports suggesting that U.S. President Donald Trump might reinstate Turkey's eligibility to purchase F-35 stealth fighter jets, calling such claims 'rumors' and critics 'snake-oil peddlers.' The New York Times reported that Trump administration officials were considering changing policy after efforts to resolve a deadlock. However, this potential shift could encounter resistance in Congress. Greek government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis emphasized that Greece had significantly advanced its defense procurement since 2019, acquiring 20 F-35s and upgrading 56 F-16s, whereas Turkey was previously seeking F-35s but now appears to be requesting them again. Marinakis stated that Greece's focus remains on its own defense programs and that any agreements between other countries would undergo standard NATO procedures.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the Greek government's dismissal of media reports as a strong rebuke of opposition claims, using dismissive language like 'snake-oil peddlers' and emphasizing Greece's achievements in defense procurement. This framing aligns with a right-leaning perspective by defending the ruling

Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): The article accurately summarizes the Greek government's dismissal of reports regarding Trump's potential policy shift on Turkey's F-35 access. However, it presents the government's stance as definitive and includes quotes that reflect a clear political bias, calling critics 'snake-oil peddlers' and

ekathimerini.com logoekathimerini.comIndependentConservativeFactual 80Objective 552 days ago
Trump’s love affair with Erdogan

The article discusses the ongoing tensions within NATO, particularly focusing on the strained relations between the United States and Greece due to President Donald Trump's close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. During a NATO summit in Ankara, efforts to mend internal divisions are unlikely to significantly reduce existing unease among member states. The U.S. president's support for Turkey, including facilitating the sale of F110 engines and reviewing Turkey's potential return to the F-35 program, has raised concerns in Greece, which feels sidelined despite its active cooperation with the U.S. Trump's personal rapport with Erdogan, expressed through actions like easing sanctions on Turkey, contrasts with the diplomatic efforts of the U.S. ambassador to Greece, highlighting the growing strain on the U.S.-Greece relationship.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames Trump's actions as favoring Turkey over Greece, using terms like 'love affair' and 'strongman' to describe Trump's relationship with Erdogan, which implies a positive view of Trump's decisions. It criticizes these actions as straining U.S.-Greece relations, suggesting a pro-Greek,

Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 55): The article contains accurate information about Trump's actions and the broader geopolitical context. However, it exhibits a clear bias in favor of Greece's perspective, criticizing Trump's approach to Turkey and emphasizing Greece's contributions to NATO without providing equal coverage of Turkey's

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories