Trump Asserts U.S. Control Over Arms Sales Amid Netanyahu's Concerns

President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the United States will independently decide on arms sales, specifically regarding the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Speaking aboard Air Force One before a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump emphasized that foreign leaders would not influence U.S. military exports. He remarked, "Nobody tells me what we should be selling," and praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a significant ally. Netanyahu had previously expressed opposition to the sale, citing Turkey's hostile stance towards Israel as a reason for concern. He described Turkey as a regime influenced by the Muslim Brotherhood and warned of its potential threat to both Israel and the U.S. Despite these concerns, Trump maintained that Israel's objections would not dictate U.S. policy, noting Turkey's military capabilities. The proposed sale remains uncertain, as the State Department has informed Congress that Turkey does not currently meet the legal requirements to rejoin the F-35 program, a situation stemming from Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 air defense system in 2020, which led to sanctions under U.S. law.