U.S.-Turkish Relations Have Gotten Duller, Not Better

Erdogan’s visit to Washington showed that the United States and Turkey just don’t need each other as much as they used to.

Erdogan and Trump sit beside each other in gold-upholstered chairs in front of an ornate gilded fireplace. Trump is speaking, whereas Erdogan is slightly slumped while wearing an exhausted expression, his hand splayed to cover part of his face. An aide sits beside him holding a folder and a pen, leaning closer to speak. September 30, 2025, 3:43 PM Comment icon View Comments ( )

Trump’s Second Term

Ongoing reports and analysis

“Don’t be a tough guy. Don’t be a fool!” U.S. President Donald Trump implored Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a 2019 letter . The jury might be out on how tough or fl

See Full Page