A group of 22 bipartisan members of the U.S. Congress has sent a strongly worded letter to former President Donald Trump, urging him to take a firm stance against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over renewed threats against Greece and destabilizing actions across the Eastern Mediterranean.
Addressed ahead of a potential meeting between Trump and Erdogan, the letter expresses deep concern over Turkey’s increasing violations of Greek airspace and territorial waters, the illegal occupation of Cyprus, and Ankara’s provocative foreign policy under the “Blue Homeland” doctrine, which lawmakers say openly defies international law and threatens regional stability.
The lawmakers call on Trump to confront Erdogan directly about a range of issues, including his country’s aggressive posture toward NATO allies, its ties to Islamist terrorist groups, the continued possession of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system, and the suppression of political opposition within Turkey.
Violations of Greek Sovereignty
In the letter, the U.S. legislators cite a “sudden increase” in Turkish incursions into Greek airspace by American-supplied F-16 fighter jets and ongoing violations of Greek territorial waters. These actions, they argue, are “unacceptable for a NATO ally” and present a persistent threat to a key European partner. They warn that any attempt to reintegrate Turkey into the F-35 program would jeopardize the fragile balance in the region.
The “Blue Homeland” Doctrine
Erdogan’s revisionist foreign policy, especially under the “Blue Homeland” initiative, is a major point of concern for the U.S. lawmakers. They describe it as a strategy to assert Turkish military and political dominance in the Eastern Mediterranean, often at the expense of Greece and Cyprus. They point to Turkish maritime activities in disputed exclusive economic zones and the controversial maritime memorandum signed with Libya, which they say violates the sovereign rights of Greece and Cyprus under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Cyprus and Human Rights Abuses
Marking over five decades since Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus in 1974, the lawmakers highlight ongoing human rights violations and the illegal occupation of the island’s northern third. They condemn the recognition of the self-declared “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” which remains unrecognised by the international community.
Domestically, Erdogan is criticized for his authoritarian rule, citing the recent arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu and a sweeping crackdown on political opponents. The letter notes that Turkey has used anti-terrorism laws to silence dissent, curtail freedom of assembly, and suppress press freedom.
Russian Ties and NATO Security
The letter also underscores Turkey’s increasingly close relationship with Russia, particularly its 2019 acquisition of the S-400 missile system, which led to Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program and sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Lawmakers warn that the presence of Russian technology within NATO creates a significant cybersecurity and intelligence threat to the alliance.
Erdogan’s Ties to Hamas
The U.S. lawmakers express alarm at Erdogan’s open support for Hamas, especially following the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. While world leaders condemned the violence, Erdogan defended the group, calling it a “liberation movement.” The letter accuses Erdogan of turning Turkey into a financial and political hub for Hamas, offering safe haven to its leadership and even providing platforms for incitement.
A Call for Action
The letter concludes by urging Donald Trump, should he meet with Erdogan, to raise a comprehensive list of concerns, including:
- Turkey’s use of U.S.-supplied military equipment to threaten Greek sovereignty
- The need to block Turkey’s re-entry into the F-35 program
- Erdogan’s ties with Islamist extremists and Russia
- Continued illegal occupation of Cyprus
- Suppression of democracy and political opposition in Turkey
“Not Aligned with US Values”
While acknowledging Turkey’s potential value as a NATO ally in a volatile region, the lawmakers stress that Erdogan’s current policies are fundamentally misaligned with American strategic interests and democratic values. They cite his pursuit of alliances with BRICS nations, his overtures to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and his support for extremist groups as evidence of this divergence.
The letter was spearheaded by Democratic Representative Dina Titus and signed by several influential lawmakers, including Gregory Meeks, Vice Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
BREAKING: Members of Congress have sent a letter to President Trump in anticipation of a reported meeting with President Erdogan.
Read the letter now: https://t.co/Y8fhR3JzzN pic.twitter.com/dm3KEUmPbl
— HellenicLeaders (@HellenicLeaders) May 8, 2025