Trump Reflects on 'Exile' Friendship with Erdoğan and Pushes Turkey to End Russian Oil Imports
In a candid exchange ahead of his White House meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, former U.S. President Donald Trump opened up about his personal and political connections during what he called his "exile" from the Oval Office.
Trump, who lost the 2020 election and spent the subsequent four years out of power, described maintaining a close friendship with Erdoğan throughout that period. Speaking to reporters briefly on Thursday, he emphasized the enduring rapport between the two leaders, even as he returned to a prominent role in U.S. politics.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened international tensions, particularly surrounding energy markets and global alliances. Trump took the opportunity to press Erdoğan on Turkey's continued purchases of Russian oil, demanding that the country halt these imports. This stance aligns with broader U.S. efforts to isolate Russia economically, especially in the wake of ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
Erdoğan, arriving for official talks, was welcomed warmly, highlighting the complex U.S.-Turkey relationship that blends NATO alliances with occasional frictions over trade and security.
Trump also touched on domestic issues, blaming what he termed "radical left Democrats" for a perceived rise in political violence across the country. He pointed to recent events as evidence of deepening divisions, though he offered no specific examples in his remarks.
As the leaders convened, the discussions were expected to cover a range of topics, from bilateral trade to regional stability in the Middle East. Observers note that Trump's direct approach could signal a continuation of his administration's assertive foreign policy, should he influence future U.S. directions.
This encounter underscores the personal dynamics that often shape international diplomacy, reminding us how past relationships can bridge—or complicate—current global challenges. For the full live updates, read the original coverage from The Guardian.