Erdogan Meets Trump to Discuss Major Arms and Trade

President Trump will host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House on Sept. 25 to negotiate trade and military deals, including Boeing aircraft, F‑16s and other Lockheed fighter jets, and liquefied natural gas purchases. U.S. officials have signaled that sales could resume only if Ankara abandons its 2019 purchase of Russia’s S‑400 air‑defense system, and Turkish officials say the visit could clear the way for more than $50 billion in purchases. Talks are also expected to address regional crises including the Gaza war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and follow Trump’s recent assurances to Arab leaders about opposing Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank. The White House schedule lists a mid‑morning bilateral meeting and a working lunch with Erdogan, after which Trump is due to meet Pakistan’s prime minister. The visit comes amid domestic pressure in Washington, where federal agencies have been told to prepare for mass firings ahead of a possible government shutdown.