Fox News host Mark Levin is publicly breaking with President Donald Trump over the administration’s apparent shift in policy toward Turkey, warning that easing sanctions and reviving F-35 fighter jet sales would be a “big mistake.”
Levin’s criticism came after Trump met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the NATO summit in Ankara, where the president praised the longtime Turkish leader and signaled a willingness to improve relations between the two countries.
Trump described Erdoğan as a “friend” and said his respect for the Turkish president played a major role in his decision to attend the summit.
During the meeting, Trump also suggested his administration is reconsidering sanctions imposed on Turkey during his first term.
“We’re going to be taking the sanctions off,” Trump said.
The president added that he would be open to selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, arguing the NATO ally had been “more loyal” than some of America’s other partners.
Turkey was expelled from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program during Trump’s first administration after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air defense system. U.S. officials warned at the time that operating the Russian system alongside the fifth-generation fighter could compromise sensitive American military technology. Congress later imposed restrictions limiting any transfer of the aircraft to Turkey.
Levin calls proposal a ‘Big Mistake’
Levin quickly responded after video of Trump’s remarks circulated online, showing Erdogan smiling and briefly giving a thumbs-up.
“It’s Christmas in Turkey,” Levin wrote on X.
He followed with another post criticizing the administration’s approach.
“We’re piling on so many generous and expensive gifts even Erdogan is surprised,” he wrote. “Big mistake.”
The comments mark a notable split between Levin and Trump, who have largely aligned on Middle East policy in recent years.
Ally on Israel, critic on Iran diplomacy
Levin has been among Trump’s strongest media supporters on issues involving Israel and Iran. He praised Trump’s decision to launch military action against Iran and has consistently backed the president’s pro-Israel policies. During a Hanukkah celebration last year, Levin even referred to Trump as America’s “first Jewish president” because of his support for the Jewish state.
Trump has also publicly defended Levin. Earlier this year, as Levin sparred with fellow conservative commentators Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson, Trump called the Fox host a “Great American Patriot” and dismissed his critics.
More recently, however, Levin has sharply criticized the administration’s diplomatic approach toward Iran. He has argued against negotiating with Tehran’s ruling regime and has repeatedly urged Trump to “finish off” Iran rather than pursue a negotiated settlement.
It remains uncertain whether Trump’s proposed changes toward Turkey will become official policy. Any effort to restore Turkey’s access to the F-35 program would likely face scrutiny on Capitol Hill, where existing legal restrictions remain in place.
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