Former US President Donald Trump heaped praise on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, stating they had personal 'chemistry' and that the United States would lift sanctions on Turkey. The remarks, reported by Reuters on 7 July 2026, signal a significant thaw in relations between the two NATO allies.
Trump's Praise for Erdogan
Trump repeatedly lauded Erdogan, describing their rapport as exceptional. 'We had chemistry with him,' Trump said, adding that the relationship with Ankara has never been better. The comments came during a press interaction where Trump outlined his administration's foreign policy approach.
Sanctions to Be Lifted
Trump confirmed that the US would lift sanctions imposed on Turkey over previous disputes, including Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems and its military operations in Syria. The exact timeline for lifting the sanctions was not specified, but Trump indicated it would happen soon.
Impact on US-Turkey Relations
The announcement marks a dramatic shift from earlier tensions. Turkey had faced US sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in 2020. The lifting of sanctions is expected to improve economic ties and military cooperation between the two countries. However, critics expressed concern over Erdogan's human rights record and democratic backsliding in Turkey.
Reactions and Analysis
Analysts noted that Trump's personal diplomacy with Erdogan could reshape NATO dynamics. Relations between the US and Turkey had been strained over issues such as the Kurdish conflict in Syria and Turkey's drift toward Russia. Trump's move may also affect US relations with Greece and Cyprus, which have longstanding disputes with Turkey. No immediate reaction from the Turkish government was reported.
