Pro-Erdoğan Columnists Praise Trump–Erdoğan Summit as Diplomatic Win for Turkey

Pro-government commentators hailed President Erdoğan’s meeting with Donald Trump at the White House as a breakthrough in Turkish-American relations, citing strong personal rapport, strategic dialogue on Gaza, defense cooperation, and U.S. respect for Ankara’s regional influence.

A Respectful Reception in Washington

Writing in Sabah, columnist Melih Altınok characterized President Erdoğan’s visit to Washington as a diplomatic success, noting the warmth of Donald Trump’s reception at the Blair House and the highly anticipated meeting at the White House. For Altınok, the encounter reaffirmed that “having Trump in the White House is far preferable to Biden, Kamala Harris, or anyone from the Obama team.”

Altınok argued that Trump, unlike Democrats, does not hold “categorical prejudice against Muslims, the East, or Turkey,” and commended the former president’s ability to establish direct, pragmatic communication with Erdoğan. He suggested that it is precisely this “dialogue of equals” that provoked intense media attacks and sabotage efforts ahead of the summit—both domestically and abroad.

Trump’s praise for Turkey’s geopolitical balance—”everyone trusts him”—and the Turkish military’s growing capabilities were seen as major diplomatic validations, Altınok said. He also noted that many world capitals, including Tel Aviv, Moscow, London, and Athens, were closely watching the summit for its implications on regional alignments.

Trump Reassures on West Bank, Schedules Netanyahu Meeting

Altınok also cited a Politico report stating that Trump assured Muslim leaders, including Erdoğan, that he would not permit Israel to annex the West Bank, a move that would spark regional outrage. Trump is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on September 29. “Let’s see how far he can resist Netanyahu,” Altınok mused, referencing reports that Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad had recently absorbed a major VPN company.

Erdoğan the “Voice of Palestine”

In Hürriyet, senior columnist Abdulkadir Selvi highlighted Erdoğan’s impassioned speech at the UN General Assembly, calling him “the voice of Palestine” and “the conscience of humanity.” Selvi wrote that Erdoğan’s delivery—amplified by dramatic photos from Gaza—made a global impact.

He emphasized that Erdoğan’s influence extended into Trump’s roundtable with Islamic leaders, where the Turkish president sat next to Trump and helped reshape Washington’s emerging Gaza policy. Erdoğan reportedly introduced key amendments to Trump’s Gaza plan, and later told reporters he was “very pleased” with the outcome.

Strategic Issues Dominate Talks

According to Selvi, while Gaza featured prominently at the White House meeting, the discussion also focused on key bilateral issues:

• F-16 sales and the F-35 reintegration request

• Potential lifting of CAATSA sanctions

• A pending deal on Boeing aircraft purchases

• The need to resolve the SDG–PKK dilemma in Syria

Erdoğan’s longstanding rapport with Trump was again on display, with both leaders referring to each other as “friends.” Selvi reminded readers that when Netanyahu once complained about Erdoğan, Trump told him, “Be reasonable, Bibi.”

He added that Trump’s decision to host Erdoğan at the prestigious Blair House and his repeated comments—such as “Erdoğan is a very strong leader,” and “It’s an honor to host him”—reflected a rare level of personal and diplomatic respect.

Domestic Politics and National Interest

Selvi criticized Turkish opposition figures who, in his view, tried to undermine Erdoğan during his international diplomacy. “Some matters rise above domestic political disputes,” he said. He referenced İsmet İnönü, who famously suspended criticism when Prime Minister Menderes traveled abroad, and argued that Turkey benefits when Erdoğan returns from Washington with tangible results—even if the opposition doesn’t acknowledge it.

Trump’s Comments on Erdoğan

Selvi listed several notable quotes from Trump during the summit:

• “I have great respect for Erdoğan.”

• “Hosting him is an honor.”

• “We’ll talk F-16s and F-35s.”

• “Erdoğan is a tough man.”

• “CAATSA sanctions could be lifted.”

• “Turkey will get what it wants.”

• “Erdoğan is respected by both Putin and Zelenskyy.”

• “Syria was Erdoğan’s victory. He saved Syria.”

He described Erdoğan’s elevated treatment at the White House as “a source of national pride,” especially when compared to how other foreign leaders—like Volodymyr Zelenskyy—have been treated. “Erdoğan would never accept that kind of humiliation,” Selvi noted, “but a diplomatic fallout would have hurt Turkish interests.”

Who Was Disturbed?

Selvi ended his column with a pointed question: Who was most disturbed by Erdoğan’s successful U.S. visit? He listed:

• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

• Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis

• And, indirectly, some members of Turkey’s opposition.

“I wouldn’t want to add Özgür Özel to that list,” Selvi added, “but this level of small-minded politics does Turkey no good.”