Turkish-American Relations During Trump’s First Term: An Analysis
This article provides an overview of Turkish-American relations during Donald Trump’s first term as President of the United States, highlighting key developments and their broader implications. A subsequent article will explore potential scenarios for this bilateral relationship under a hypothetical second Trump term. Both Donald Trump and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan are known for their unpredictable leadership styles, making their interactions particularly volatile and the future of their relationship subject to multiple contingencies. This analysis will focus on the significant events that defined Turkish-American relations from 2017 to 2020.
A Historical Context: From NATO to Modern Challenges
Turkey’s relationship with the United States has been shaped by its strategic role in NATO since joining the alliance on February 18, 1952. Over the decades, this relationship has experienced periods of both cooperation and conflict. Tensions during Turkey’s 1974 Cyprus intervention eventually gave way to reconciliation, but by the time Trump assumed office, relations were strained once again. Two critical issues—Turkey’s demand for the extradition of Fethullah Gülen, whom Erdoğan accused of masterminding the 2016 coup attempt, and the imprisonment of American pastor Andrew Brunson in Turkey—dominated the agenda.
Trump’s relationship with Erdoğan was marked by a unique combination of public praise and unconventional, often blunt, diplomacy. While Trump lauded Erdoğan in public, he also addressed him in unusually direct and, at times, derogatory terms, an experience Erdoğan had not previously encountered. These dynamics set the tone for a complex bilateral relationship.
The Gülen Extradition and Early Tensions
The failed coup attempt in Turkey in July 2016, which occurred just months before Trump took office, significantly influenced Turkish-American relations. The Erdoğan administration held Fethullah Gülen, a cleric living in the United States since 1999, responsible for orchestrating the coup. Erdoğan’s government formally requested Gülen’s extradition during the Obama administration, but U.S. authorities declined, citing a lack of sufficient legal evidence. This unresolved issue carried over into Trump’s presidency, creating a contentious starting point for their relationship. In May 2017, Erdoğan visited Trump in Washington, but surprisingly, the agenda shifted from Gülen’s extradition to a broader focus on Northern Syria, where a new point of conflict was emerging.
U.S. Support for the SDF and Turkish Objections
One of the most significant sources of tension during Trump’s presidency was the U.S. policy of supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a coalition led by Kurdish fighters. Initially implemented under the Obama administration as part of the fight against ISIS, this policy continued and even expanded under Trump. The Erdoğan government strongly opposed this support, as it viewed the SDF as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey. Ankara argued that such U.S. actions violated NATO’s principle of collective security. The Turkish government’s position resonated domestically, fueling widespread anti-American sentiment. Despite these objections, Trump continued to authorize arms support to the SDF, further aggravating the situation.
Diplomatic Incidents: Erdoğan’s Visit and the Reza Zarrab Case
During Erdoğan’s 2017 visit to Washington, tensions escalated when his security guards attacked protestors outside the Turkish ambassador’s residence. The incident, which was caught on camera, led to arrests and widespread criticism in the United States. The attack was seen as a significant breach of diplomatic norms, further straining relations.
Another major issue was the prosecution of Reza Zarrab, a Turkish-Iranian businessman accused of violating U.S. sanctions on Iran through illicit financial transactions. Zarrab’s testimony implicated high-ranking Turkish officials, including Erdoğan, in illegal activities. Halkbank, Turkey’s state-owned bank, was also found guilty of sanctions violations. Despite appeals, the legal proceedings against Halkbank remain unresolved, with the potential for severe economic consequences for Turkey.
The 2019 Northern Syria Operation and Trump’s Letter
In 2019, Turkey launched a military operation in Northern Syria aimed at creating a buffer zone between Kurdish-controlled territories and the Turkish border. This action drew rare bipartisan condemnation in the U.S., with both Republican and Democratic leaders criticizing Trump for failing to take stronger measures to stop Erdoğan. In response, Trump issued an unprecedented letter to Erdoğan, warning of severe economic consequences if Turkey exceeded the agreed-upon boundaries. The letter, which ended with the infamous phrase, “Don’t be a fool! I’ll call you later,” became a symbol of Trump’s unconventional diplomatic style. This letter stands as one of the most scandalous correspondences in Turkish-American relations, second only to the infamous Johnson letter.
The S-400 Crisis and Sanctions
Another critical development was Turkey’s purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems, which violated NATO protocols. Turkey defended the purchase by arguing that it had unsuccessfully sought U.S.-made Patriot missiles under the Obama administration. However, the acquisition of Russian equipment led to sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The most significant consequence of these sanctions was Turkey’s removal from the F-35 fighter jet program, a major setback for its military modernization efforts. Additionally, Turkey has been unable to recoup its financial investment in the program, exacerbating its economic challenges.
Conclusion: Setting the Stage for Future Relations
Turkish-American relations during Trump’s first term were characterized by a series of high-stakes conflicts that remain unresolved. From Gülen’s extradition and U.S. support for the SDF to the Halkbank scandal and the S-400 crisis, these issues underscore the complexity of aligning national interests within a bilateral framework. As Trump prepares for a potential return to the presidency, the evolving geopolitical landscape, including Erdoğan’s support for Hamas amidst Middle Eastern conflicts, will undoubtedly shape the next chapter of this relationship. These dynamics will be explored in the forthcoming article.
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