Erdogan fights a losing battle with Trump – The Washington Post
Want smart analysis of the most important news in your inbox every weekday along with other global reads, interesting ideas and opinions to know? Sign up for the Todays WorldView newsletter.
On Friday, the Turkish lira suffered its biggest one-day devaluation in nearly two decades, dropping more than 14 percent against the dollar. The minister of finance the son-in-law of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan couldnt avert the slide, delivering a halting speech that did little to boost confidence.
But Erdogan, as he so often does, placed the blame on a foreign scapegoat: the United States.
Shame on you, shame on you, he declared at a rally. "You are swapping your strategic partner in NATO for a pastor.
The pastor in question is Andrew Brunson, an American clergyman who has been in Turkish custody since 2016. He is charged with espionage and other crimes charges that he and U.S. officials reject. Attempts to win his freedom have so far failed.
According to my colleagues, Ankara hoped to swap Brunson for Hakan Atilla, a banker convicted in the United States for his role in a scheme that skirted U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil. But the Trump administration resents Turkeys use of Brunson as a political hostage. A high-level meeting in Washington last week with a visiting Turkish delegation ended abruptly after the Americans demanded the pastors immediate release.
President Trump then announced increased tariffs on Turkish aluminum and steel, which sent the value of the lira plummeting to a historic low. Turkeys economic woes are of its own making, but the tariffs made things worse and Trump was only too happy to take credit.
Erdogan continued his complaints in a New York Times op-ed, railing against unilateral actions against Turkey by the United States, our ally of decades. He recited the familiar catalog of affronts, including Washingtons unwillingness to hand over Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric accused of fomenting a failed 2016 coup against Erdogan, and continued American support for Syrian Kurdish factions. He then delivered a clear threat, urging Washington to give up the misguided notion that our relationship can be asymmetrical and come to terms with the fact that Turkey has alternatives.
If the United States wont change its approach, Erdogan warned, Turkey will start looking for new friends and allies. Indeed, the Turkish president has beefed up ties with Russia, attempted to mend fences with key Western European governments and, as a significant importer of Iranian oil, could undermine American efforts to isolate Tehran.
But this posturing will win him even more enemies in Washington, where Erdogan is already a deeply unpopular figure. Congress has passed legislation making a critical sale of F-35 jets to Turkey contingent upon terms that include Brunsons immediate release. Erdogan critics in U.S. foreign policy circles loathe his creeping authoritarianism. And Trump, unlike previous presidents, has shown an endless willingness to bully erstwhile allies whenever he disagrees with them.
Washington has generally tried to calm global markets in such moments, especially when investors are gripped by fear of contagion, noted the Wall Street Journal. Trump instead squeezed Ankara further. This had global ramifications: Turkeys wobbles stoked wider fears of fragility in other emerging markets and raised alarms among some major European banks that hold Turkish debt.
In an interview with Bloomberg News, Aaron Stein, a Middle East expert at the Atlantic Council, suggested that Erdogan had badly miscalculated the situation. The power balance is asymmetric, totally in the U.S. favor, Stein said. There are no guard rails to escalation on the U.S. side, and thats where the Turks have completely, completely messed up in their understanding of whats going on in the U.S.
Erdogans appeals to NATO partnership ring especially hollow, given both Erdogans testy relations with Europe and Trumps carping about the alliance. "For an administration or a president that doesnt give much value to NATO, the value of Turkey as a staunch NATO ally also has declined, Jacob Funk Kirkegaard of the Peterson Institute for International Economics told Bloomberg News. The Trump administration isnt going to walk an extra mile to save an organization it doesnt value.
Analysts hope cooler heads prevail. Turkeys economic and legal problems are obvious, but sanctions by the U. S. are unlikely to help anything, observed Turkish commentator Mustafa Akyol. Rather they may be counterproductive, boosting Turkeys nationalist mood and pushing the country further towards the Russian axis. More diplomacy is needed, not sanctions.
But productive diplomacy is in short supply. Much of Erdogans politics now hinge on stirring nationalist sentiment to justify his tightening grip on the country. He won re-election in June with the backing of ultra-nationalists, arguing that greater control would help him steer Turkeys flagging economy out of trouble. Instead, things have only gotten worse.
The current crisis is the culmination of Erdogans reckless stewardship. Fixing it will take years a task that will require new leadership and an entirely different mentality, wrote Aykan Erdemir, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington and an Erdogan critic.
Nevertheless, even as Turkey suffers, Erdogan may not take much of a political hit. Turkeys toothless opposition ... fails to provide much hope, Erdemir noted. Without strong political forces to push him out, Erdogan will almost certainly continue to dig himself and the Turkish economy into a deeper hole.
Trump also may gain more by refusing to compromise. He may relish the chance to act tough and appeal to his core supporters by squeezing a prominent Muslim leader over the fate of an American pastor.
Backing Brunson plays to the American presidents base all the more conspicuously so given that NASA scientist Serkan Golge, a dual TurkishU.S. citizen, is also being held in Turkey, serving out a seven-and-a-half-year sentence for charges similar to those being brought against Brunson, wrote Elmira Bayrasli, a professor of international affairs at Bard College.
Of course, she noted, theres a key difference: Golge is Muslim, unlike Brunson, whom Trump has called a great Christian and innocent man of faith. The Trump administration has said nothing about Golges detention.
Want smart analysis of the most important news in your inbox every weekday along with other global reads, interesting ideas and opinions to know? Sign up for the Todays WorldView newsletter.
Read more:
Erdogan fights a losing battle with Trump - The Washington Post
- Peace table in Trkiye will end bloodshed between Russia and Ukraine - Erdogan - MSN - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- "Soon a peace table will be set in Turkey": Erdogan expects the bloody war in Ukraine to end soon - - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- Turkey detains head of crypto exchange linked to arrested Erdogan critic - Cryptopolitan - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- New book hails Trkiye's Erdogan as 'Tiger of the Islamic World' - TRT Global - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Turkey will soon have peace talks table, and this bloody war will end - . - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan to speak with Putin and Trump about their meeting in Turkey - - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Ground to be prepared in Turkey for organization of Ukraine-Russia peace table soon - Interfax-Ukraine - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- Peace table in Trkiye will end bloodshed between Russia and Ukraine - Erdogan - RBC-Ukraine - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- Negotiations between russia and Ukraine will be held again in Istanbul, and this bloody war will end Erdogan - ukranews.com - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- Erdogan says he will speak with Trump to arrange talks between Putin, Zelensky in Istanbul - The Kyiv Independent - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Erdogan and Sharas Sunnification Project - The National Interest - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- "We may have a phone conversation with Putin and Trump this week" - Erdogan - - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Erdogan announced possible talks with Putin and Trump this week regarding a possible meeting in Istanbul - - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Erdogan to hold talks with Trump and Putin to learn about their intentions for Istanbul meeting - Armenpress - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Erdogan says he may speak to Trump, Putin this week for leaders meeting on Ukraine - Al Arabiya English - July 27th, 2025 [July 27th, 2025]
- Ukraine Proposes Leaders' Meeting With Erdogan and Trump, Agrees on Prisoner Exchange With Russia - UNITED24 Media - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Ukraine proposes meeting of leaders with participation of Erdogan and Trump and declares readiness for - ukranews.com - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Erdogan says Germany, Britain positive on Eurofighter jets sale to Turkey - Reuters - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- We will not leave Sharaa alone: Erdogan vows to stand by Damascus, rejects 'fragmentation of Syria - thecradle.co - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Spotify threatens to pull out of Turkey over rows on playlists targeting Erdogan's spending - The Jerusalem Post - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan, Starmer discuss progress on Eurofighter jets sale to Turkey - MarketScreener - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan says Germany, Britain positive on Eurofighter jets sale to Turkey - AL-Monitor - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan says Germany, Britain positive on Eurofighter jets sale to Turkey - MSN - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan Family Shipping Scandal: Behind the Curtain of Turkeys Trade With Israel - Greatreporter - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan says Germany, Britain positive on Eurofighter jets sale to Turkey - Yahoo Home - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Erdogan: world must accept reality of two states on Cyprus - eKathimerini.com - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Erdogan visits Turkish-occupied north Cyprus on 51st anniversary of 1974 invasion - eKathimerini.com - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Erdogan honours martyrs on 51st anniversary of Cyprus Peace Operation - TRT Global - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Turkey's Erdogan condemns 'pampered and desparate' Israel after its military actions in Syria - Yahoo Home - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Terror state Israel using Druze as pretext to expand into Syria - The Times of Israel - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Erdogan claims Israels Syria strikes unacceptable and a threat to the entire region - The Times of Israel - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Turkey Opposition Accuses Erdogan of Political Witch-Hunt - Bloomberg - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Israels aggression against Syria poses the biggest problem in the region Syrian Arab News Agency - - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Israeli strikes threat to entire region: Erdogan tells al-Sharaa - Al Arabiya English - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Erdogan calls for unity against terrorism on anniversary of failed coup - Trkiye Today - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- 'Century of Trkiye' vision turning into reality: President Erdogan - Trkiye Today - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Outdated Video of Erdogan in Traditional Clothing Resurfaces After PKK Disarmament - - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- President Erdogan frames emerging 'Jerusalem Alliance' of Turks, Kurds, and Arabs - Trkiye Today - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Erdogan to Iraqi PM: We aim to uproot terrorism for good - Shafaq News - - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Trkiye committed to wiping out terrorism across region: Erdogan - Trkiye Today - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Erdogan, Aliyev discuss ties and security across South Caucasus - AnewZ - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Erdogan blocks Musks AI bot after it insults his mother - telegraph.co.uk - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Turkish Police Detain Three More Mayors From Party Opposed to Erdogan - The Wall Street Journal - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Terrorism-free Trkiye will bring about positive results - Latest news from Azerbaijan - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Terrorism-free Trkiye 'will bring about positive results': Erdogan - TRT Global - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Erdogan draws parallels between Srebrenica Genocide and Gaza in 30th anniversary message - Trkiye Today - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Erdogan's top economy advisor Yigit Bulut dies after prolonged illness - Trkiye Today - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Turkey detains hundreds of Erdogan opponents in pursuit of 'octopus' of corruption - Reuters - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- President Erdogan will 'deliver a historic speech' on July 12: Spokesperson - Trkiye Today - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Turkish President Erdogan Cracks Down on the Opposition Party - The National Interest - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Turkey Blocks Grok AI on X for Alleged Insults to Erdogan, Atatrk, and Religious Values - Greek City Times - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Turkey Blocks Grok Content For Alleged Humiliation Of Erdogan And Religious Values - VOI.ID - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Trkiye bans Elon Musks AI chatbot Grok over insults to Erdogan, Ataturk - Trkiye Today - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- As Erdogan cracks down on opposition, is Turkey headed to early election? - Firstpost - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Erdogan Says Yerevan is More Flexible on So-Called Zangezur Corridor - Asbarez - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- 3 mayors arrested in southern Turkey as part of crackdown on opposition to Erdogan - The Times of Israel - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Erdogan expects F-35 deliveries during Trump presidency, rejects Greek concerns - Defence Industry Europe - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Erdogan meets with pro-Kurdish party delegation in 'historic' peace talks - Trkiye Today - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Turkeys pro-Kurdish party will meet with President Erdogan By Reuters - Investing.com - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Erdogan says asked Trump to intervene over shootings at Gaza aid centers - The Times of Israel - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan confident Turkey to be readmitted to F-35 programme - The New Arab - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Turkish Police Detain Three More Mayors From Party Opposed to Erdogan - WSJ - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan confident Turkey will receive F-35 jets under deal with Trump - eKathimerini.com - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan: Peace with Kurds to gain momentum as PKK starts laying down arms - kurdistan24.net - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan says PKK arms decision will accelerate peace process - Trkiye Today - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- PKK disarmament to boost peace with Kurds: Erdogan - New Age BD - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan and Sharif discuss trade expansion and Gaza crisis at Azerbaijan summit - Trkiye Today - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Armenias vision of unblocking anchored on sovereignty and national jurisdiction: Foreign Ministry responds to Erdogan - Armenpress - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Erdogan: I truly believe Khankendi will become a center of peace - Latest news from Azerbaijan - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- As Trump Pushes Syria Toward Israel, Erdogan Asks What's in It for Him - Haaretz - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Erdogan vows action against magazine over alleged religious insult - rudaw.net - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Erdogan pushes for F-35 deal with US in bid to strengthen Turkey's Air Force, expert says - The Jerusalem Post - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Turkey agrees to increase water flow to Iraq after meeting between Al-Mashhadani and Erdogan - Iraqi News - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- President Erdogan to visit Azerbaijan for Economic Cooperation Organization Summit - Trkiye Today - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- U.S. envoy expects Trump, Erdogan to resolve arms sanctions on Turkey this year -Anadolu - Reuters - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Erdogan reiterates gratitude to Azerbaijan for earthquake relief support - Latest news from Azerbaijan - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Erdogan hails 2024 as record year for exports, pledges continued growth in 2025 - TRT Global - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- US envoy expects Trump, Erdogan to resolve arms sanctions on Turkiye this year - Arab News - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- EUs aid to Turkey diverted to spying operations in Europe by Erdogan govt - Nordic Monitor - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Trump, Erdogan hold first meeting at NATO as ties warm: What to know - AL-Monitor - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]