MAGA congressman breaks with Trump admin: 'Significant national security concerns'

A bipartisan storm is brewing in Washington as Republican Representative Mike Lawler publicly broke with the Trump administration this week over its controversial push to sell advanced F-35 fighter jet engines to Turkey, and potentially even restore Ankara to the full F-35 program. This move, which comes despite Turkey continued possession of Russian S-400 missile systems, has ignited 'significant national security concerns' from lawmakers on both sides, setting the stage for a major showdown. At the heart of the friction is Turkey past decision to buy the Russian S-400, which led to its removal from the F-35 program and triggered sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) during the previous Trump administration. Now, President Donald Trump, citing Turkey status as a NATO ally and his personal relationship with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has signaled he wants to make Erdogan 'very happy,' with his administration formally notifying Congress on June 24, 2026, of a $700 million deal to supply General Electric F-110 jet engines for Turkey indigenous KAAN fighter jet. However, lawmakers like Lawler, Rep. Dina Titus, and Rep. Chris Pappas argue that Ankara's reliability remains questionable, pointing to its posture towards US allies and its refusal to dispose of the S-400, which poses a security risk to advanced US military technology. The administration's notification has kicked off a crucial fifteen-day congressional review period, allowing lawmakers to introduce a Joint Resolution of Disapproval to block the engine sale. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have acknowledged the legal hurdles, with Vance stating the administration is reviewing if Turkey has met US legal requirements to receive F-35s. This unfolding drama is particularly sensitive as Turkey is set to host a pivotal NATO Summit next month, where this defense deal will undoubtedly cast a long shadow over alliance unity and future US-Turkey relations.