Democrats accuse Trump of skirting Congress on Turkey arms deal

The Trump administration is pushing ahead with a $750 million arms deal to sell F-110 jet engines to Turkey for its indigenous KAAN fighter jet, despite fierce objections from Democrats led by Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Meeks has accused the administration of attempting to bypass essential congressional review, raising fresh concerns about executive overreach and US-Turkey relations. This latest move reignites long-standing tensions over Turkey's 2019 acquisition of Russia's S-400 air defense system, which led to Ankara's expulsion from the F-35 Program and subsequent CAATSA sanctions. Democrats argue the sale undermines congressional oversight and rewards Turkey while it still possesses the Russian system, posing risks to NATO interoperability and US defense technology. The administration, however, defends the decision by citing President Trump's close ties with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, emphasizing Turkey's role as a regional partner, especially with an upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. While Representative Meeks has placed a hold on the deal, the administration has signaled its intent to proceed, underscoring the limitations of congressional power under the Arms Export Control Act. With Vice President JD Vance reportedly reviewing Turkey's compliance for potential F-35 reintegration, this controversial engine sale sets a critical precedent for future US arms transfers and the delicate balance between presidential prerogative and legislative oversight in foreign policy.