US Rep. Mike Lorer urges Trump to keep F‑35 ban on Turkey

Republican Congressman Mike Lorer of New York has launched a new congressional effort to block a possible sale of F‑35 fighter jets to Turkey. In a letter to President Donald Trump, Lorer asks the president to maintain the 2019 prohibition that was imposed after Turkey bought the Russian S‑400 air‑defence system. He argues that Turkey’s “continuous aggressive stance” toward U.S. allies – including Greece, Cyprus and Israel – makes any transfer contrary to American national interest. The letter, currently gathering signatures from other members of Congress, cites the 2020 Defense Appropriations provision that bars F‑35 deliveries while Turkey retains the S‑400.

Lorer warns that reversing the ban would send the wrong signal to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and to NATO partners. The move follows speculation that the Trump administration may consider reviving the sale, prompting congressional leaders to prepare a disapproval resolution to block it.

The initiative reflects broader U.S. concerns over security of the aircraft’s technology and the reliability of Turkey as a NATO partner under the current strategic environment.