Trump Administration Lifts Turkey Sanctions Despite Congressional Opposition

President Donald Trump announced at a NATO summit in Ankara that his administration will lift sanctions on Turkey and consider readmitting the country to the F-35 fighter jet program, moves that contradict bipartisan congressional opposition.

Members of Congress have opposed the actions through two hearings, a Joint Resolution of Disapproval, and letters signed by dozens of representatives. Rep. Dina Titus introduced legislation to block a proposed $700 million jet engine sale to Turkey, citing Ankara's threats against NATO allies and its military support for Azerbaijan in campaigns against Armenia. Bipartisan representatives Mike Lawler and Brad Sherman also sent a letter opposing F-35 reintegration, warning it would signal approval of Turkey's occupation of Cyprus and aggressive posture toward Greece.

Armenian American organizations, including ANCA, are working with Hellenic American groups to oppose both the engine sale and F-35 readmission.