Despite President Donald Trump’s public willingness to consider selling advanced F-35 fighter jets to Turkey and lifting related sanctions, lawmakers from both parties continue to voice strong opposition, citing national security risks, legal barriers, and concerns over Turkey’s reliability as a NATO ally.

The pushback comes days after Trump, meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Ankara, signaled openness to restoring Turkey’s access to the F-35 program. Trump described the jets as “the best plane by far” and praised Turkey’s loyalty, while indicating his administration was working to remove sanctions imposed over Ankara’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 air defense system.

Lawmakers argue the move would violate U.S. law, compromise sensitive technology, and undermine alliances in Europe and the Middle East.

Tulsi Gabbard, who served as Trump’s Director of National Intelligence until about a month ago, has come out against the U.S. president’s visit to Turkey, delivering some of the sharpest language yet directed at Ankara.

Gabbard’s statement adds significant weight to a bipartisan chorus of concern that has been building for days. She has a longstanding record of skepticism toward Turkey’s role in NATO and its defense partnerships, having previously co-sponsored measures and issued statements highlighting Turkey’s actions as counterproductive to U.S. interests, including in regional conflicts involving Armenia and broader counterterrorism efforts. Her intervention arrives even as the administration explores warmer ties with Ankara.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) emerged as a leading voice against the proposal. “Selling one of America’s most advanced fighter jets to Turkey is not in the best interest of the United States,” Lawler told NatSec Daily. He has co-led letters and statements emphasizing Turkey’s actions under Erdoğan, including aggression toward U.S. partners and troubling ties with adversaries.

On the Democratic side, Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) stressed the legal prohibition. “It’s illegal to bring Turkey back into the F-35 program so long as it has the Russian S-400 air defense system,” Schneider noted. He referenced testimony from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has interpreted the law in the same restrictive manner during congressional hearings.

• Bipartisan House letter: A group led by Reps. Mike Lawler and Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) sent a letter to President Trump expressing “deep concern” over any F-35 sale, citing Erdoğan’s continued aggression toward partners like Greece and Cyprus, ongoing occupation issues, anti-Israel rhetoric, and defense links with Russia and Iran.
• Legislative countermeasures: Separate efforts, including amendments and a Joint Resolution of Disapproval led by Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.), aim to block related sales and enforce existing restrictions.
• Legal red line: Lawmakers from both parties have reiterated that Turkey must remove the S-400 systems before any reinstatement in the F-35 program, per the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act and subsequent legislation.

Critics warn that delivering F-35s while Turkey operates Russian systems could expose U.S. stealth technology to adversaries, eroding America’s qualitative military edge. Regional allies, including Israel — which has publicly urged against the sale — and Greece, fear a shift in the balance of power that could embolden Turkish assertiveness in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly opposed the sale, warning it would upset the power balance in the Middle East and strengthen a threat to Israel. Greek officials have separately voiced fears of a shifted military balance in the Aegean.

Supporters of the administration’s approach argue for pragmatic engagement with a key NATO member, but congressional hawks from both aisles maintain that security red lines cannot be compromised for diplomatic resets. Trump has largely dismissed the concerns, stating he has “no concerns about anything” regarding Turkey or the deal.

As the debate intensifies, observers expect further legislative maneuvers when Congress returns to session. The administration faces a potential showdown if it pursues the deal without addressing the S-400 issue or securing exemptions. Additional statements are anticipated from key committees on Foreign Affairs, Armed Services, and Intelligence.

This story is developing. Faith & Freedom News will continue to update this report as new statements and legislative actions emerge.