Trump Administration Bypasses Congress for $700 Million Turkey Arms Sale

The Trump administration is proceeding with a $700 million arms sale of defense articles to Turkey, primarily fighter jet engines intended for the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet project. To authorize the sale, the United States Department of State bypassed Congress, a move that has sparked criticism over transparency and regional security.

The decision comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares to host the 2026 NATO summit in Ankara on July 7 and 8. The sale is controversial because Turkey continues to possess the Russian S-400 air defense system and has refused to sanction Russia. Some members of Congress argue these factors make Turkey a destabilizing force in the region.

Gregory Meeks, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the lack of a written rationale and the State Department's refusal to brief him on the implications of the sale. In response, the State Department defended the transaction by emphasizing Turkey's status as a strong member of NATO and its contributions to alliance operations.