Trump Reveals Erdogan Nearly Entered Israel War, Stopped Only By Personal Relationship
"He could have gone into the war. A lot of people saying like with BB, I like BB. I think BB was a terrific wartime prime minister. But BB said rough things yesterday about Turkey and everyone. And I said, you know, I spoke to him. I said, he could have gone into the war because he doesn't like Israel much and he doesn't like BB much. And he didn't go because of me. And this is a military power. millions of soldiers. Turkey's very strong. They have a lot of our best equipment. They're trying to get the F-35s. But he didn't go in. He wanted He would go in. If it weren't for me, he would have gone in and he would have been on the other side."
About this episode
In commentary on President Trump's appearance at the NATO summit in Turkey, host Dave Rubin analyzes Trump's escalating confrontation with European allies over defense spending and alliance commitments. Trump revealed he nearly boycotted the summit entirely due to NATO members preemptively refusing to support U.S. military action in Iran, attending only out of respect for Turkish President Erdogan. In a striking disclosure, Trump stated that Erdogan was prepared to militarily intervene in the Israel-Gaza war against Israel but refrained solely because of his personal relationship with Trump. The president simultaneously discussed providing Turkey with F-35 fighter jets despite acknowledging Erdogan's hostility toward Israel and Netanyahu. Trump also announced the removal of sanctions on Turkey and reiterated demands that NATO allies increase defense spending to their commitments, warning that Europe faces existential threats from immigration and energy crises. Mark Rutte, NATO's Secretary General, confirmed in the Washington Post that the alliance is restructuring to reduce dependence on U.S. military power while committing to buy American defense systems. Rubin frames Trump's approach as consistent with his decade-long position on NATO burden-sharing, arguing the president is ending an abusive relationship where America subsidizes allies who refuse to support U.S. interests. The commentary also addresses Trump's continued focus on Greenland as a strategic U.S. interest due to Chinese and Russian naval encroachment. Rubin expresses concern about Turkey's role as a NATO host given its ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and human rights record, while acknowledging Trump may be employing a strategy of keeping enemies close.
Key takeaways
- Trump disclosed Turkish President Erdogan nearly intervened militarily in the Israel-Gaza war on the side opposing Israel, stopped only by Trump's personal relationship.
- Trump nearly boycotted the NATO summit after European allies preemptively refused support for U.S. military action in Iran despite trillions in American defense spending.
- Trump announced removal of sanctions on Turkey and discussed F-35 sales despite acknowledging Erdogan's hostility toward Israel and Netanyahu during active conflict.
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed the alliance is restructuring to reduce dependence on U.S. military power while committing to purchase American defense systems.
- Trump warned European nations face existential threats from immigration and energy crises, stating plainly that if not addressed there will be no Europe anymore.
- Trump reiterated U.S. strategic interest in controlling Greenland due to Chinese and Russian naval encroachment near Canadian and American borders.
- Rubin questions the wisdom of arming Turkey with advanced fighter jets given Erdogan's recent consideration of entering war against U.S. ally Israel.