EditDonald Trump Jr.’s undisclosed meeting with Turkey’s Erdoğan sparks controversy
The leader of Turkey’s main opposition accused Erdogan of engaging in “secret negotiations” concerning Gaza, facilitated through lobbying firms
Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of the U.S. president, held an undisclosed meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul last week, sources confirmed to Middle East Eye.
The visit, which was not officially announced, has raised questions about its purpose and implications amid ongoing regional tensions.
As Erdoğan’ prepares for potential discussions at the UN General Assembly next week, the secretive nature of Trump Jr.’s visit continues to fuel speculation about backchannel diplomacy and its implications for U.S.-Turkey relations and the broader Middle East.
Opposition leader alleges secret Gaza talks
Özgür Özel, chairman of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), revealed the meeting during a rally in Istanbul on 17 September. Özel accused Erdoğan’ of engaging in “secret negotiations” with Trump Jr. concerning Gaza, facilitated through lobbying firms.
“The protocol listed him as a ‘businessman,’ but his name was omitted during the visit,” Özel stated, according to Middle East Eye. “While Palestine is suffering, they are conducting business with Trump’s son through lobbying channels.”
He further criticized Erdoğan’for publicly condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while remaining silent on Donald Trump, whom Özel described as the “real patron” of the issue.
Turkish officials downplay meeting
A source close to Erdoğan’, speaking to Deutsche Welle on 17 September, confirmed the meeting but described it as a “courtesy visit” with no formal discussion of Gaza or other specific issues. The source dismissed Özel’s claims, emphasizing the meeting’s informal nature.
According to Middle East Eye, Trump Jr. was accompanied by a group of businessmen during the visit. While he holds no official role in his father’s administration, Trump Jr., as executive vice president of the Trump Organization, is widely regarded as influential in White House circles.
Turkish officials told that Erdoğan’ is seeking a bilateral meeting with the U.S. president on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly summit next week. Ankara aims to discuss critical issues, including the F-16 fighter jet deal, the integration of Syrian Kurds into the central government in Damascus, potential pathways for Turkey to purchase F-35 jets and tensions between Israel and Turkey over Syria and Gaza.
The U.S. removed Turkey from the program and imposed sanctions on its Defence Industry Agency in 2017 after Ankara’s decision to purchase Russian S-400 missile systems. On 17 September the U.S. State Department reaffirmed its opposition to Turkey’s reintegration into the F-35 program in a letter responding to 40 lawmakers, led by Democrat Chris Pappas.
The letter emphasized concerns over Turkey’s S-400 acquisition and its compliance with U.S. national security policies, while acknowledging Turkey’s role as a key NATO ally.
Turkey said it was forced to look elsewhere for missiles systems after the US refused to include technology transfer in a deal to buy American-made Patriot missiles.
Ankara also argued that it was aiming for greater autonomy in its defence procurements, but the purchase of the S-400 caused concern among other NATO allies.
Trump Jr.’s history in Turkey
This is not Trump Jr.’s first visit to Turkey. In 2016, he traveled to the country for a hunting trip and business meetings in Istanbul, highlighting a pattern of engagement with Turkish stakeholders.
The meeting occurs against a backdrop of strained U.S.-Turkey relations and complex regional dynamics.
Turkey remains a vital NATO ally, contributing significantly to alliance missions, but its defense decisions, particularly the S-400 purchase, have created friction with the U.S. The State Department underscored the importance of the U.S.-Turkey defense relationship for mutual security interests, even as it maintains a firm stance on sanctions and policy compliance.
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Other sources: Turkiye today, CNN
The original article in Greek by EUlive’s partner media Politis can be found here.
Caption: US President’s son Donald Trump Jr. (R) and Bettina Anderson (L) join US President Donald J. Trump on a round of golf at Trump Turnberry golf course during a private visit in Turnberry, Scotland, Britain, 27 July 2025. EPA/TOLGA AKMEN
Updated: September 19, 2025 - 11:40
