WASHINGTON – Greek-American advocacy groups and lawmakers of Greek origin have intensified pressure on U.S. President Donald Trump after he signaled that his administration could allow the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Türkiye.
The pushback comes despite Trump’s low popularity in Greece. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey conducted before his latest remarks on Türkiye, 78% of Greeks expressed little or no confidence in Trump, underscoring his limited political goodwill in the country.
The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) urged Trump to maintain restrictions on Türkiye and oppose both the proposed sale of GE F110 engines for Türkiye’s indigenous KAAN fighter program and any effort to return Ankara to the F-35 program.
Several members of Congress of Greek heritage have also voiced opposition, arguing that Türkiye should not regain access to the fifth-generation fighter while it continues to possess the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. Some lawmakers have warned that they are prepared to use congressional procedures to challenge or delay any proposed sale.
The criticism follows Trump’s recent statement that his administration is reviewing Türkiye’s long-standing request to acquire F-35 fighter jets. The White House has also moved forward with plans to sell F110 engines that will power Türkiye’s domestically developed KAAN fighter aircraft.
Although Congress has the authority to review major foreign military sales, the president retains significant powers to move forward with such transactions. Even if Congress passes a resolution of disapproval, Trump could veto it, meaning opponents would need a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override the veto.
The latest dispute highlights the growing tension between the Trump administration’s efforts to rebuild defense ties with NATO ally Türkiye and the strong resistance from Greek-American organizations and their allies in Congress.
